The Gallows (2015)

The Gallows (2015): A Chilling Blend of Horror and Found Footage Thriller

Released in 2015, The Gallows is an American horror film that masterfully uses the found footage style to deliver an intense and chilling experience. Directed by Chris Lofing and Travis Cluff, the movie delves into themes of guilt, revenge, and supernatural terror, wrapped in a high school setting that makes the story all the more relatable and haunting.

What is the Movie About?

The story unfolds around a failed high school play from the past titled "The Gallows" which tragically ended in a student’s accidental death. Twenty years later, a group of high schoolers decide to resurrect this play for their school’s 20th anniversary. However, things quickly turn sinister as the past seems to come back to haunt them with deadly consequences.

The protagonist, high school senior Reese Mishler (who also shares his real name), alongside his friends, attempts to record the play's rehearsals and performances using handheld cameras and smartphones, which makes the film a found footage style horror. Their recordings inadvertently capture bizarre and frightening phenomena linked to the ghost of a student who once died during the play’s original performance.

The film is an exploration of terror as the supernatural forces behind the play enact revenge on those who dared to disturb its dark past. This premise grips the audience by tapping into the fear of the unknown, as well as the consequences of meddling with unresolved tragedies.

Main Actors and Their Roles

• Reese Mishler stars as himself – the main character who tries to navigate the horror that unfolds around him.
• Pfeifer Brown plays Auna Rue, Reese’s close friend and part of the group involved in resurrecting the play.
• Cassidy Gifford features in the movie, adding to the youthful ensemble cast that brings the story to life.
• AJ Bowen plays Victor, another key character connected to the dark legacy of the play.

The cast’s performances are notable for their naturalistic, spontaneous style – a necessary quality in a found footage film to maintain believability and build suspense gradually.

Direction and Writing

The Gallows marks the directorial debut of Chris Lofing and Travis Cluff, who also wrote the script together. Their vision was to create a modern homage to supernatural horror stories using the found footage format popularized by films like "Paranormal Activity" and "The Blair Witch Project." Instead of relying on traditional jump scares, the directors focused on building an ominous atmosphere that creeps into the audience’s mind, sustained by the characters’ growing fear and desperation.

Lofing and Cluff’s writing incorporates themes of guilt, revenge, teenage arrogance, and the consequences of disturbing a dark past. Their storytelling intertwines traditional horror elements with innovative use of cameras and technology, making it feel fresh yet grounded.

Genre and Style

The Gallows firmly sits in the horror genre, specifically supernatural and found footage horror. It also carries elements of action as the characters attempt to survive the malevolent forces unleashed by their play’s revival. While the film is primarily in English, it was dubbed in Hindi and Urdu to cater to wider audiences, expanding its reach to Bollywood and Urdu-speaking communities who enjoy Hollywood horror.

Reception and Impact

The movie received mixed reviews, with praise directed at its suspenseful buildup and realistic performances but some criticism regarding predictability in the plot. Nevertheless, it resonated well with horror fans who appreciate atmospheric tension over gore and loud jump scares.

Conclusion

The Gallows (2015) is a must-watch for aficionados of supernatural horror who enjoy the immersive feel of found footage films. With an engaging cast led by Reese Mishler, thoughtful direction by first-time directors Chris Lofing and Travis Cluff, and a gripping story about the deadly consequences of confronting a haunted past, this film offers a modern and chilling cinematic experience.

For those looking to dive into something eerie and suspenseful, The Gallows is a gripping ride into the dark shadows of high school tragedy and vengeful spirits.

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