Paranormal Activity Review

It had been a picture-perfect relationship for the young couple Micah (Micah Sloat) and Katie (Katie Featherston). The couple lives very comfortably in a suburb of California as a student and day-trader. However, their lives drastically change when Katie is, quite literally, haunted by a demon of her past.

Directed by Oren Peli for the horror film festival Screamfest in Hollywood, Paranormal Activity documents the couple’s steps to remove the demon from their dwelling. As a small child, Katie had been haunted by a demon, whom she believed set fire to her family’s home. Micah, believing that his girlfriend is just crazy, buys a camera to document their activities in the day and watch over them while they sleep.  When the first signs of activity show up on the camera during one of the nights, Katie immediately calls in psychic Mark Fredrichs. When Fredrichs searches the house, he feels strongly that a demon spirit is indeed once again haunting Katie, and refers her to a demonic specialist. 

After the psychic’s visit, the demon’s activity begins to occur more often and starts to affect them during the daytime. When Katie and Micah fail to make an appointment with the demonic specialist, they once again call in Fredrichs, who does not dare to enter the house. He says he feels such a strong demonic presence that he, as well as the couple, could be risking their lives. Their fear leads to their decision to move into a hotel until they can make contact with the demonic specialist, but will the demon let them leave?

Paranormal Activity has been highlighted as a modern-day Blair Witch Project, as well as for the three endings that it showcases. As someone who loves and appreciates great horror movies, I was very skeptical for the first hour of the movie, since all that occurred seemed either too typical or too surreal.  However, the last half hour immediately grabs your attention to the worries and fears of Micah and Katie as they attempt to escape the demon. If you are looking for something else besides the typical Christmas specials this winter, Paranormal Activity is the perfect fit if you do not plan on needing sleep that night.