Directed by: Randall Cole
Starring: Nick Stahl, Mia Kirshner, Devon Sawa
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed: New Video Group
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Running Time: 97 minutes
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars
Prior to receiving this DVD, I had never heard of “388 Arletta Avenue”. But the front of the box was a real draw for me since it is from the makers of “Splice” and “Cube”, Vincenzo Natali, whom I am big fan of. This also packs a very impressive genre cast including Nick Stahl (“Terminator 3”), Mia Kirshner (“The Vampire Diaries”), Devon Sawa (“Finding Destination”). The film itself isn’t scary but it is super creepy and very effective. It is was also shot from the point-of-view of hidden cameras hidden throughout the house, the car etc. I really enjoyed the Randall Cole’s fresh take on found-footage horror genre.
On the surface, James Deakin (Stahl) lives a quiet, routine, comfortable life with his wife Amy (Kirshner) in their suburban home. Under the subtle manipulation of a faceless voyeur, however, cracks in their relationship begin to emerge. When Amy suddenly disappears, James is left to wonder if she’s been abducted or simply abandoned him, but their tormentor doesn’t stop there. As the manipulations become more twisted and violent, James desperately tries to identify just who’s doing this to him and why, but his adversary always seems to be one step ahead.
“388 Arletta Avenue” runs a really tight 97 minutes and literally has you sitting on the edge of your seat and trying to figure out the ending. Though, The film doesn’t deliver in terms of special features. There is only one extra, which is cast/crew behind-the-scenes interviews. It is not bad overall and like most Tribeca Film release it is presented by American Express. Randall Cole is definitely on my radar and will definitely keep an eye out for his future films. Overall though, I would definitely recommend this film highly.