Found footage has become a common gimmick at this point in horror, but it usually works for me. So when the chance to check out Shudder Original Bodycam (streaming on 3/13) came up, I checked it out immediately. It’s not likely to become a classic of the genre or anything, but the premise, run time, and general execution make it worth checking out if you’re into found footage at all.
Bodycam follows two police officers on a routine domestic violence call that turns into demonic chaos. There’s no need to get into the plot because this is the kind of movie you’re either down for or not. If you want plenty of creepy scenes like the dude standing in the corner at the end of The Blair Witch Project, then Bodycam is for you. If you’re not into found footage, this isn’t going to change your mind.
For those willing to go for the ride, you won’t be disappointed. Perhaps having characters explore dark locations and constantly having them whip-pan around a room to reveal a creepy, zombie-like person standing ominously is a cheap scare, but it’s still effective. The bodycam nature of the film makes it even better, as there is no score to falsely amplify the creepiness. There is distortion and a squelching noise that is used a few times too often, but for the most part, you get the feeling that you’re watching real bodycam footage.
Since this is about two police officers’ bodycams, there is a bit of commentary on the perception of police in the modern world. Thankfully, the movie doesn’t dwell on it because the film’s frenetic pace doesn’t allow for a lot of nuance, and who’s coming to this film for that, anyway? But there are a few moments dealing with how one cop talks about the area of town they’re in, and there’s a moment when they’re trying to destroy their bodycam footage and talk about how the events early in the film could ruin them. That stuff is interesting, and there’s certainly a lot that could be unpacked on this topic, but the film kind of sidetracks that for the most part in favor of making this a Prince of Darkness-type Satan-is-coming movie (technically it’s not Satan, but it doesn’t matter).
The frenetic pace not only allows Bodycam to sidestep touchy subjects; it simply makes the film more palatable. Even fans of found footage have their limits with the style. There is a lot of running in dark places, and you can only do so many of those reveal scares. But the film is only seventy-five minutes with credits. It knows not to overstay its welcome.
Because of the short run time, it’s easy to forgive the film’s shortcomings. We get a bit of background with these characters, but you don’t get a good feeling about how strong their partnership is. And the mother of one character seems to know a lot about what’s going on, but she shoos them out of her house without going into great detail. Including a few more minutes at the beginning with the two leads to establish more of their dynamic and having a lengthier scene with the mother would not stretch the run time to even ninety minutes. So that aspect is a little frustrating.
Overall, though, I’m glad that stuff wasn’t fleshed out. The strongest point of the film is how it throws you right in the middle of it all, just like the main characters. And what would an exposition scene about the demon or whatever accomplish, anyway? All that kind of mythology in movies like this is just filler. Bodycam instead embraces the chaos, even if it might leave you with a question or two.
It’s hard to sift through the glut of low budget horror out there these days, but if you have Shudder and like found footage at all, Bodycam is worth your time. And even if it isn’t, at least it won’t take up too much of it.
Random Thoughts (SPOILERS)
I don’t have much to add here, but I did want to comment on the monster or demon or underman, or whatever the fuck the thing at the end is. I dug the symbol they used for it, but the design of the monster itself was a little too cartoonish. I’ve seen a few Letterboxd entries describing the film as part Creepypasta, and the monster is definitely the reason for that. Younger audiences might like it, but I thought it would have been better if done practically and kept largely in the dark. I get that they didn’t have the budget for some gnarly prosthetics, but a lot can be done with a good mask or makeup, minimal CG, and darkness. It didn’t ruin the movie or anything, but the reveal was a bit of a letdown.
And some might be disappointed that this isn't more of a commentary of police misconduct or something, but I just don't think it's necessary. There's enough stuff hinted at and blatantly covered, anyway. The whole subplot about trying to delete the footage; the way both cops talk about the zombified people scattered throughout the film. That truly says enough right there. They walk past the "tweakers" that are clearly more than just high, but they treat them as less than human. And you could argue that they pay the price for their ignorance. So yeah, the movie doesn't hit you in the head with a big, capital M, message, but there's a bit of subtext if you're wanting a little social commentary along with your CG monster.
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