The faux-documentary is a tricky business. You have to present yourself as a documentary, with those trappings, but have to offer something different. You have to walk in those steps to a point, and know when to deviate. And with so many murder docs out there, it becomes even harder to find the correct tone. STRANGE HARVEST reminds me a bit of the film THE POUGHKEEPSIE TAPES. It’s similar, but don’t mistake them for being the same. They both handle horrific stories about a serial killer, and do so with aplomb, but STRANGE HARVEST is its own animal, and it has its own lethal bite.
STRANGE HARVEST is presented as a documentary about a mysterious serial killer who was active in California. The story is told through interviews and archival footage, and begins with the brutal ritualistic murder of a family, and the revelation that it may be connected to a number of past murders, all united by a strange symbol at the scene of the crime. As the story unfolds, we learn more about Mr. Shiny, the killer in question, and the horrifying trail of terror he has left over a number of years. As the killer teases the police, he also reveals that his work has a meaning, reason, and timeline…and for the police, time is running out.
STRANGE HARVEST is very good, and if you are a fan of the subgenre, a must-see. The acting is well done, the story is engaging, and as it expands, it becomes chilling. There is an aspect of Lovecraftian cosmic horror to things that I had not expected, and it really added something unique to the film.
There are a few things that made me wrinkle an eyebrow – a big one was a victim who is displayed, and the display just doesn’t make logical sense in how its done – but this is a quibble that dings the overall score, but not the enjoyment.
And I did enjoy it.
A lot.
This is a rare movie I’ll buy when it’s available.
I mentioned its proximity to POUGHKEEPSIE TAPES for me, and that’s a big compliment, as that’s a favorite in the subgenre for me.
The deliberate pace of a faux-doc won’t appeal to everyone, even fans of found footage, who may prefer films that creep in the dark, and have the potential for something to jump out at you. For me, this hit the spot, and was one of the best new found footage/faux-doc I have seen in a bit.
With a touch of the planning seen in SE7EN, a heavy dash of cosmic-horror, and the creeping terror of a serial killer doc, A big recommendation from me.
I loved it.
3.75 out of 5
(PS – watch through the credits).
Strange Harvest will be available on Digital Download in the UK on 27th October and in Australia on 29th October
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33400719/
The Spooky World of Chris Ringler 