Butterfly Kisses (2018) Movie Review
Written By: FR
Edited By: Grave Reviews Staff
Film Information
Director: Erik Kristopher Myers
Writer: Erik Kristopher Myers
Producers: Lisa Mikitarian, Sam Mikitarian, Erik Kristopher Myers, et. al.
Date Released: October 23, 2018
Cast:
Rachel Armiger as Sophia Crane
Reed DeLisle as Feldman
Matt Lake as ‘Mr. Folklore’
Eve Young as Dr. Wolfe
Kelsey June Swann as Lilly Pine
Alexandria Benford as Reporter
Seth Adam Kallick as Gavin York
Eileen del Valle as Amelia York
Janise Whelan as Eve Hunkeler
Rating = 2/5 Graves
***May contain some spoilers***
Synopsis
Butterfly Kisses (2018) is the story about a filmmaker who finds a box of videos in someone’s attic. The videos becomes the object of interest when the filmmaker attempts to verify the integrity of the videos in question. The videos depict two students who are able to film an urban legend called the Peeping Tom who allegedly kills anyone who sees him. As the filmmaker learns the truth about the tapes, he attempts to release the footage as his own.
Gore Factor
Butterfly Kisses (2018) focuses on the authenticity of the the found footage, which more resembles a documentary rather than a traditional found footage film. There is no blood or gore in this film and any murder scenes are depicted as off-screen concepts. Arguably, this is more or a suspense film rather than a horror film except for the tragic end of the main character who was obsessed to prove the footage to be real. There are also few jump scares in this film, unlike other films such as Paranormal Activity.
The Grave Review
Butterfly Kisses (2018) incorporates an interesting take on found footage film. When the filmmaker finds an old box of DV tapes in an attic, the plot focuses solely on proving the authenticity of the tapes., which prove that the urban legend of Peeping Tom is real. The backstory of the Peeping Tom is clever. According to the urban legend, if one stares into a tunnel without blinking for an hour starting at midnight, then the Peeping Tom will appear. But, as you blink your eyes, he will move closer to you until you meet your demise. Since this task was near impossible, the two students used a camera as the medium for conjuring the Peeping Tom.
The plot was well thought out and the backstory of the Peeping Tom was interesting. The film actually presents its own argument in respect to whether the videos were in fact true or not. However, this concept would have been better as a short-film rather than a feature film. Unfortunately, as the story progresses, the film becomes as interesting as watching someone study in a library.
In general, producing a found footage movie is a good excuse not to deal with the more advanced technology of filmmaking (like setting up shots, editing, proper scripts, pacing, and applying proper cinematography techniques). The bottom line is creating a found footage film is a simpler, more cost-efficient way of creating a horror film. The way Butterfly Kisses (2018) presents their story is an acknowledgement that a film can be produced with little skill or a big budget.
For found footage enthusiasts, this is a film that is better than average but may feel sluggish at times. Regardless, you may want to give Butterfly Kisses (2018) a chance.
For the foregoing reasons, Grave Reviews gives Butterfly Kisses (2018) two graves out of five graves.
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