Calvin Morie McCarthy directs, co-writes, and co-stars in Evidence Of The Boogeyman. It would appear this found footage title is the third in a series of supernatural horror films. However, McCarthy played a different character in the first one, Beware The Boogeyman, and its plot description does not seem to match up with the setting here. But Revenge Of The Boogeyman is definitely the predecessor to this film. Did McCarthy and co-writer/co-star Tim Coyle craft a film that is creepy and works as its own story? Or is previous knowledge of this world and these characters needed?
The small documentary crew of Calvin (McCarthy), Naomi (Naomi Mechem-Miller), Tim (Coyle), and Erik (Erik Skybak) descends upon Briar Hollow. They go there to uncover the truth behind the small town’s creepiest local legend: the Boogeyman. Jim (Jim Spence) owns the forest-surrounded house wherein unexplained and terrifying things have happened; so, of course, this is where the filmmakers set up to film. Shortly after arriving, Calvin, Naomi, Tim, and Erik begin to hear and see strange things, such as a shadow running across the ground. Is the home haunted, and if so, by whom or what?
“…Calvin, Naomi, Tim, and Erik begin to hear and see strange things, such as a shadow running across the ground.”
Evidence Of The Boogeyman is very standard found footage horror, in terms of its style. Edits between various cameras, switching back and forth from night vision, and extreme close-ups of blurry things in the distance are all accounted for. But these are well-worn staples of the subgenre because they can be effective when utilized properly. Thankfully, the director knows how to generate fear through nothing more than an empty chair. A sequence in which Tim and Erik double or triple back on themselves while trying to get back to the house is very intense. Calvin, trying to reason with a supernatural presence, adds a sense of truth to what the character hopes to achieve.
Also, the screenwriters don’t overly explain anything. The Boogeyman is briefly explained at the beginning, but that’s about it. The rest of the narrative is about what happens to these people, not the lore behind the evil spirit supposedly haunting them. Coyle and McCarthy’s decision here pays off, as the minimal backstory allows the film to tell its own story on its own terms without giving the audience homework.
Evidence Of The Boogeyman is a typical found footage film in terms of its presentation and style. But the screenplay gives the characters room to breathe and only gives out backstory when 100% necessary. The rest of that time is filled with strange sounds, moving shadows, and a whole lot of creepiness.
For more information about Evidence Of The Boogeyman, visit the Breaking Glass Pictures site.
"…filled with strange sounds, moving shadows, and a whole lot of creepiness."
