31 More Days of Horror: [REC] (2007)

Fear knows no language boundaries. Case in point, the Spanish film [REC] . Angela is a television reporter. Along with her cameraman, Pablo, the two are covering the local firefighters for a piece. Answering a call for help at an apartment building, residents, firemen, reporter, and fireman are quarantined by the local CDC. Trapped in the building with an ever-increasing number of rabid zombies, Pablo keeps the camera on capturing brutal deaths, palpable fear, and freaky events.

[REC] is a highly effective horror film that draws obvious inspiration from predecessors. What makes it good is the fresh packaging. The 'shaky-cam' employed is smart without being annoying. Pablo is a professional and captures untold images clearly. Angela's investigative sense is authentic without being nosy. Mano, one of the firefighters plays to hero solidly.

Despite being subtitled, the film is a top-notch scare. The 'reading' doesn't interfere as tension builds and aggressive action ensues. The progression is brutal on the senses.