A Whisper, A Scream, & a Cut to Black, written and directed by Samuel B., delivers a fresh found footage horror spin that thrives on raw energy, convincing performances, and smart stylistic choices. The filmmaker makes use of a DIY sensibility in a way that feels purposeful, using grainy visuals and erratic camera movement to ground us in its eerie reality.
The setup is classic: A film crew sets out to hunt some ghosts at a creepy, abandoned location to get content for their true crime channel. While they are there, they end up finding more than they bargained for, and even the most skeptical begin to believe something is out there. But this execution is fresh, dialogue between the characters feels natural and unforced, with performances that blur the line between actor and role. You can almost forget you’re watching a scripted film, which makes the creeping sense of danger hit harder as it builds. It feels like modern, real found footage you could find from any influencer.
What stands out is B’s willingness to experiment. Between moments of rising fear, the screen cuts abruptly to vintage cartoon clips that play out similar scenes we are seeing in real time. It works by creating an unsettling rhythm that keeps you guessing. Rather than defusing tension, the contrast deepens it. It is as if we are watching a damaged tape, one that has been tampered with, maybe even by the killer himself.
“A film crew sets out to hunt some ghosts at a creepy, abandoned location…”
Perspective shifts also keep things interesting throughout A Whisper, A Scream, & a Cut to Black. At times, we view the action through the film crew’s camera. Then, without warning, we are seeing through the killer’s eyes. This jump from passive observer to active predator ramps up the unease. It is an effective way to make you feel complicit, trapped in someone else’s nightmare with no control over how or when it ends.
While the location is limited, the atmosphere is heavy. The abandoned space feels claustrophobic, making it feel like the viewers are trapped with the characters, while something is lurking just off camera. Long pauses between violence stretch tension to its limit before it breaks with sudden bursts of terror. This makes it feel like a haunted house, where something sinister is hiding behind every corner. The killer, known only by the unsettling presence behind the lens, is a strong addition to the found footage roster. There is something especially chilling about his silence, the cold precision of his gaze. His camera does all the talking.
A Whisper, A Scream, & a Cut to Black is an incredible example of what can be done with a clear vision and a committed cast, even on a small budget. It is inventive, fun, and deeply unsettling. Fans of films like The Poughkeepsie Tapes or Creep will likely appreciate this. This is the kind of indie horror that knows what it is doing. It whispers at first, then it screams, and by the time it cuts to black, you will be looking over your shoulder.
"…by the time it cuts to black, you will be looking over your shoulder."
