Found footage is a clever way to make horror movies, making viewers feel like they’re part of the scary events. Some films, like the V/H/S series and Paranormal Activity, use this style well. But not all films get it right. Take 2015’s The Gallows, for example.
At first glance, it seems like a typical horror story: teens in school at night, chased by something evil, all caught on camera. However, The Gallows takes familiar horror ideas and turns them on their head, surprising viewers with unexpected scares.
In The Gallows, high school jock Ryan and his friend Reese film their daily lives. Reese is a kinder soul, shy but smitten with theater-loving Pfeifer. They plan to sabotage the school play, hoping to impress Pfeifer.
As the story unfolds, the characters reveal more depth than expected. Ryan, often seen as a bully, shows moments of doubt and conflict. Reese’s vulnerability adds to the story’s emotional depth, reminding us they’re just kids.
The Gallows Starts Simply And Takes A Turn
Their plan goes awry when they get locked in the school with Pfeifer and Ryan’s girlfriend, Cassidy. They soon realize they’re not alone; the spirit of a student who died years ago, Charlie Grimille, is haunting them.
The horror intensifies when Charlie breaks Ryan’s leg, focusing on his pain and fear. It’s a stark reminder that these are young, scared kids facing real danger.
The film’s final twist is the most shocking. As Reese and Pfeifer’s bond grows, viewers expect a classic hero moment. Instead, Pfeifer reveals herself to be Charlie’s daughter, manipulating everyone to continue her father’s deadly legacy.
This unexpected twist makes The Gallows stand out, mixing familiar horror elements with surprising character development and plot twists.
