Infrared

“Demon, in the name of God, I command you to leave this vessel now!”

With those words, paranormal investigator Wes Wheatley (Jesse Janzan), begins an unnerving journey into the dark heart of the paranormal.  In the pilot episode of his unaired television show (which serves as the basis for Infrared), he performs what he calls a DELIVERANCE in order to bring the demon to the surface and then expel it from its host, Sarah Brooks.  She and her husband, Ian, have agreed to the procedure, but no one is quite sure what to expect, especially when the camera rolls.

"pulls off the found footage formula with solid and shocking results"


And, for the creators of Infrared, the camera is always rolling, which makes this found footage so much fun to watch.  Charged with a creeping feeling (thanks to its location), Infrared takes the sub-genre back to school with a couple of lessons for its audience about atmosphere and creating memorable characters.

Thing is, Wes has been doing exorcisms and demonic clearances for far too long.  That is according to his estranged sister, Izzy (Leah Finity), who also dabbles in the paranormal.  She refuses to associate herself with Wes’ dark side dabbling of paranormal activities, believing the risk is too great.  She prefers to carry messages from the other side to loved ones.  She’s a medium, you know?  But since she is a part of this show - being interviewed without Wes’ involvement - she should know something is up.

What neither knows is that the haunting of an abandoned school is going to bring them together.  This school, much like the characters involved, has a haunted history and its creaks, bangs, and groans have frightened many a paranormal investigation.  But there is a dark history behind its doors which Infrared kicks wide open.Infrared

Directed by Robert Livings and Randy Nundlall Jr. and co-starring The Room’s Gregory Sestero, Infrared is an interesting take on the found footage phenomenon as it states that it is an unaired episode of Wheatley’s show, so it comes across as episodic in parts and doubles-down on that aspect with no music and no real introduction to the main players.  We even get multiple investigations before the BIG ONE begins.  All of this adds to some good characterization as the mystery deepens across the players.

Infrared pulls off the found footage formula with solid and shocking results, even if there are lingering questions about the validity of these tapes’ discovery.  We get some solid jump scares and a good bit of atmosphere once we enter the creepy school.  The film also moves at a nice clip. Adding humor and excitement along the way.  While it is low budget, there is a good intent involved and that makes all the difference in its overall enjoyment.  

Throughout the build-up, the main characters are well-defined by both Janzan and Finity as conversations that ought to be had off-camera are heard and tragic wounds reopened.  INFRARED will be available on digital platforms July 22, on the Terror Films Channel July 29, and on Kings of Horror on August 5.

3/5 stars

Film Details

Infrared

MPAA Rating: Unrated.
Runtime:

Director
: Robert Livings; Randy Nundlall Jr.
Writer:
Robert Livings; Randy Nundlall Jr.
Cast:
Greg Sestero; Jesse Janzen; Leah Finity
Genre
: Horror
Tagline:
In thsi school, the first lesson is fear.
Memorable Movie Quote:
Distributor:
Terror Films Channel and Kings of Horror
Official Site:
Release Date:
Terror Films Channel July 29, and on Kings of Horror on August 5.
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:

Synopsis: A paranormal investigator and his production crew gain access to a mysterious, abandoned school but when the thrilling haunt turns deadly, the team must race to uncover the terrifying truth before they become the school's next victims.

Art

Infrared