Movie: Paranormal Activity

It's refreshing when a new director makes it to the big screen but does low budget horror Paranormal Activity offer us anything new? Filmed in director Oren Peli's San Diego home, using Blair Witch Project style camcorder shots, albeit with the latest HD technology, will Peli's first offering have you sleeping with the lights on?

Young couple Katie and Micah discover they have an uninvited guest, a 'presence' in their suburban home. Katie, a student who has been haunted her whole life, becomes increasingly terrorized by the entity, whilst day trader Micah develops an obsession with filming the spooky goings on. With Micah working from home, the camera never leaves the confines of the house, giving the same sense of isolation as if it were the Bates Motel and at the same time playing on our fears that it could be anyone's home, it could be your home.

As the main two characters in a cast of only five, Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat have a great on screen rapport and are believable as an average couple dealing with the nightly chore of combatting an unseen force. The questionable detail in the plot is why would Micah put up with a haunted chick? She's a poor student and the girl's clearly got issues.

The psychic that Katie asks for help adds comic relief in between the long dark nights where we endure doors slamming on their own, billowing bed sheets and an array of other things that go bump in the night. As the ferocity of the paranormal assault increases the film achieves it's goal of appealing to our innermost fears and just about ticks the boxes a horror film should.

Taking inspiration from The Blair Witch Project and Open Water, this film combines the natural banter between the characters and the seemingly safe setting to offer a convincing portrayal of Paranormal Activity. More importantly, for director Oren Peli it has got him noticed and provided him with backing for his next film Area 51 which will be a greater test of his talent.

Paranormal Activity is out now - check out screening times at www.odeon.co.uk