Writer-director James Cullen Bressack goes back to the found footage well with I Have Proof. Presented as a series of evidentiary tapes, the story follows Alex (Larsen Deane), a man who doesn’t speak. He uses older technology to record his daily deeds. And what deeds are those exactly? Well, Alex can look at a person and discern if they are truly human or a demon in disguise. If someone is a demon, he follows them to understand their routine and dispatches the evil when they aren’t around. Unfortunately, Alex’s conviction in murdering those he believes aren’t human is destroying his relationship with everyone around him, especially his sister Bex (Augie Duke). Is Alex crazy, or does he actually have proof of the demons he’s killing?
The film starts a little jarringly, as it is unclear that Alex doesn’t speak for a few minutes. As such, I honestly thought there was something wrong with the screener I was sent, or my computer. But once that confusion gets cleared up, there’s a real Frailty meets The Blair Witch Project vibe going on here. The use of older tech is explained perfectly within the plot, and from a technical standpoint, it allows the filmmaker to clip in moments from before or after certain events, as if the police evidence tapes were recorded over footage that was already there. This gives the whole shebang a raw and realistic feeling, making the premise easy to buy into.
“…Alex can look at a person and discern if they are truly human or a demon in disguise.”
Deane has a tricky role as the silent protagonist. The actor’s body language and facial expressions need to convey anguish and confusion. He succeeds on all counts, creating an engaging character whose mystery keeps viewers glued. Duke is as reliable as ever, bringing a sweetness and sincerity to her brief role. Lilly Van der Meer portrays Mary, the main person Alex hunts throughout the film. In one scene, she’s had enough of this weirdo following her and just lays into him. Van der Meer gives it her all, capturing the frustration and desperation the character is feeling within the yelling and screaming.
I Have Proof is a wild ride once the audience can settle into its rhythm. It sports a creepy atmosphere that Bressack ably maintains the entire runtime. The acting is good, helping to generate tension and frights. While it is not perfect (again, the beginning is a tad confusing without certain things being known upfront), it is a fun time that proves why James Cullen Bressack is one of the most exciting indie filmmakers working today.
"…Frailty meets The Blair Witch..."
