31 More Days of Horror: The Blair Witch Project (1999)

The hype has past; film-goers have moved on. Now is the time to see The Blair Witch Project. The film is simple in its execution, therein lays its success. The film reminds us of that which is scariest—what we don’t see.

One very driven film student, Heather, drags two buddies along to document the story of the Blair Witch; who according to legend is behind the countless murders and disappearances spanning decades. Grab your gear. Let’s go camping!

The amateurish nature of the film is its best feature. Shaky-cam! Surprisingly, it’s not annoying, but enhancing. With this film, you must listen—not see. Listen to wind blow, the leaves crunch, and the faint noises in the background. The occasional revelation further cements that something is out there, but what? It’s an intangible malevolent being that scares you sh*tless.

Our trio isn’t stupid, just goofy. But as the situation quickly gets out of hand, they are clearly ill-equipped and the death spiral begins. Turning on one another, bickering, it’s not until Josh’s teeth are discovered that the group reunites.

Nothing prepares you for the final stand. And as you yell the cardinal rule {don’t go in there!}at the helpless duo, the film ends. Nice.