Afflicted (2014)

You won't be disappointed!

Simply Perfect

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

So far, there have been only three "worth-watching" Point-Of-View Movies. Cloverfield, The Possession of Michael King and Chronicle; of which, Cloverfield is the better... until now...When Afflicted started my heart sank and I reached for the remote. There are way too many awful P.O.V. Movies out in the Horror genre so I was already in conflict with myself... should I turn off or should I give it a chance...I am most certainly glad I chose to give it a chance. It's just a shame it took me five years to get to watch it... thank you The Horror Channel for adding another movie to my expanding list of favourites.I also have to admit I was dubious since it's a vampyre tale. In recent times, vampires have not been what they should be (with sarcastic thanks to Stephenie Meyer). However, I have to give a real and heartfelt thanks to both Derek Lee and Clif Prowse, who wrote, directed, and acted in a True up-to-date vampyre tome. For anybody thinking of doing a vampyre novel or film then check out the Afflicted as this is how it should be done.What Afflicted does it tell the story of Derek Lee, who wakes up one day doubting his life choices so he chooses to make a big change. With the help of his best friend Clif, they decide to go on a world tour they had planned in school. Clif will document the entire journey and post it online. They promise their followers to visit any place they recommend and to do any dare they challenge. However, in their first stop, Paris, Clif dares Derek to get laid. Except, for Derek's lover for the night isn't exactly normal...From here on in, Clif begins to document Derek and the changes he and his body is going through.What makes this such a good film is the change in perspectives as Derek transforms. In the beginning, there's worry as he's sick, unable to keep food down, projectile vomiting, and in pain. This alters to wonder and awe as he realises his strength has increased; he can run at speed and jump great distances. There then comes fear and anxiety when he finally realises what he must do to stay alive. In the end, there's anger and hate as he hunts down the woman responsible for his altered state, looking for a cure.Another good thing is actually the camera work. This is the thing I usually dislike the most in P.O.V. Movies. But Lee and Prowse are masters in this style. It really takes off in the action sequences, the police chase is spectacular as the viewer is taken on a parkour of the town. Even the added gunshots are worked brilliantly; adding blood splatter not to just the camera lens but to the floors and walls. Unlike most films created by this technique, Afflicted looks as though the directors actually worked out every shot to its maximum benefit. This reminded me a little of Chronicle in the way some of the shots were orchestrated and of Cloverfield in the working of the atmosphere.Then there's also the little details. The scene where Derek subjects himself to sunlight is painful. The bubbling, erupting, and burning skin made me wince.So the story is good, the direction and pace are heading towards perfection, so what about the acting... Well, surprisingly both Lee and Prowse are really quite good. Not fantastic but definitely well above average... and no ham or wood in sight. Which is a good thing as they are the two main roles and appear in every scene.So If you like horror flicks you really should consider watching this, if you haven't already. If you like action flicks then you too should enjoy this Vampyre film.

For the record - I can't stand found-footage movies; for the exception of 'Chronicle'. The trailer for 'Afflicted' reminded me of 'Chronicle' and that's why I gave it a chance; I'm glad I did. What makes both films "good" is the use of practical effects. I can't help but imagine how good the original 'Blair Witch' would have been if they used the same formula.In 'Chronicle' it was a fuller budget to get a car crushed or thrown through the air & people flying in the clouds - 'Afflicted' had a smaller budget but still went basic fall stunts & cut camera effects; A simple method, but it makes great visuals. Derek punching the wall flipped my entire concept of the film. It went from a cheap b-movie to a really good movie, using a simple unexpected trick. The POV camera strapped to Derek as he jumped up a building or off a ledge all the way to the fight scenes was incredibly thought out and successful. If I had seen the same in 'Blair Witch' then 'Blair Witch would have been a great film.The vampire. Up until Clif sat down with Derek and started talking about him licking the blood; I wasn't even considering that Derek was becoming a vampire. It was an "ohhhhh" moment for me, as I remembered his skin burning and me not catching that. The shark-jump of 'Afflicted' started there. I've seen so much vampire shtick in the past decade that it was kind of a downer. Uhg, vampires ...Why couldn't they have invented a new fantasy creature instead? They could have taken Derek's condition and mixed it with "something" the French girl Audrey had (maybe an STD), something interesting, but ultimately something that changes Derek into an original monster. The film itself was done well enough for the audience to accept and even embrace a new folklore. If this film had introduced a brand new legend, I would have given it a solid 10.Even if you hate that idea; They should have left the same evidence without revealing vampirism. The audience could guess what Derek was becoming - He could have been transforming into a revenant for all we know. But I genuinely believe when you leave things up for interpretation (or fan theories) it creates a better story.

Cliff: Derek? Derek? Derek is that you? Derek? Derek? Derek? Derek are you OK? Hey Derek? Hey Derek is that you Derek? Derek? Derek: I'm OK.Cliff: But Derek? ... Derek? Derek are you OK though Derek? Derek where are you going Derek? Derek? Derek where did you go Derek? DEREK? DEREK ARE YOU OK DEREK? Derek: I said I'm OK.Cliff: Derek..come on Derek. Derek Derek because Derek so and so and Derek.Derek: Gnarly dude, totally.Cliff: OK Derek my friend the Derek is Derek with you. DEREKKKKKK??!! What happened Derek? You are a superman Derek. I'm scared of whats happening Derek so lets turn all the lights off Derek and go to sleep like everything is normal Derek. Derek Derek and then we can Derek.Derek: I want blood.Cliff: Derek you want mine Derek? Derek: OK.

Now i'm a fan of vampires, they're not all great but any vampire flick and i'm there. Afflicted should be a pleasant surprise for fans and non-fans of the vamp!Afflicted is about two best friends back-packing around the world in a one in a lifetime trip. The BFF's Clif Prowse and Derek Lee, (who also wrote and directed the film) have a genuine chemistry which helps the movie work so well. Derek has a serious illness threatening his life so himself and Clif decide to take the plunge and do that bucket list trip. Clif the camera buff plans to document absolutely everything along the way, posting it live online as they go.This found footage style filming soon gets into it after Derek meets a woman on there first stop of Paris to watch a group of friends play in a band. Clif and two band members decide to play a trick on Derek and his new bed buddy but when they get back to the hotel Derek is alone with a bloody mark at the top of his shoulder.It's evident pretty quickly that Derek seems have to gained super human abilities and Clif decides to test his new powerful friend, all of which Derek exceeds beyond normal human ability. The ending is slightly confusing but either way if you're looking for a difference with your vampire movies you have to check Afflicted out!