Set in 2020, The Glenarma Tapes is one of the most recent attempts for a Irish found footage horror.
Luckily, the Northern Irish location of Glenarma is the perfect, desolate location for some backwoods horror.
We follow a ragtag group of four college filmmakers who are looking to catch their college teachers having some hanky panky in the woods, but get more than they bargain for.
Director Tony Devlin’s feature is at its best when it is character building, as we get such a rounded scope of our main quartet, that when the crap hits the fan, we feel their peril.
What our teens don’t know about is the local urban legends that haunt the Glenarma forests, and this ultimately costs them.
The use of Go Pro headcams offers another dimension to the filming, plus an infrared feature which also feels innovative and ups the scares when needed.
The Glenarma Tapes is also not afraid to go all in on its concept, with some moments that will make you wince.
It does unravel a bit in its finale, with commentaries on cancel culture and it perhaps tries to cram a bit too much into its tight 78-minute runtime; but found footage fans will enjoy the ride The Glenarma Tapes takes them on.
The Glenarma Tapes screens as part of Frightfest 2023.
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