388 Arletta Avenue is a 2012 Canadian psychological horror-thriller written and directed by Randall Cole. The film stars Nick Stahl, Mia Kirshner and Devon Sawa.
Plot:
Shot from the point of view of hidden cameras, the film follows James and Amy, a couple who are secretly videotaped 24/7 by a mysterious stalker. As the stalker begins to subtly manipulate the unsuspecting couple, cracks in their relationship begin to surface.
When Amy suddenly vanishes, James is not sure whether she has been abducted or has simply left him. The acts of the tormentor become more twisted and violent as James tries to figure out who is behind the terror…
Reviews:
‘The movie-through-viewfinder, probably done best in the Spanish horror film “REC” (and to headache-inducing effect elsewhere, like “Cloverfield”) is a novelty that seems both a distraction and a decoy from what might otherwise be just moderately interesting horror constructions, “388 Arletta Avenue” included’. Variety
‘Nearly everything is filmed from the point of view of the multitude of surveillance cameras installed by the stalker in home, car and office; it’s to director Randall Cole’s credit that the device rarely feels forced or extraneous. It all works – just’. The Guardian
‘Well-paced (a bit slow at the start so you’ll get used to the visual style, but gradually more interesting as it goes on), cleverly shot, especially for a “gimmick” movie, and bolstered by a few compelling ideas about the nature of kindness and the importance of forgiveness, 388 Arletta Avenue is a strange and confident effort from writer/director Randall Cole. At a brisk 84 minutes and packing some legitimately creepy moments, this one’s a quiet little winner.’ FearNet.com
‘What’s most disappointing about Arletta is that the viewer never has a chance to experience any true suspense. Every single sequence/encounter is so overtly predictable that it becomes tedious. Everything that happens is painfully obvious, and Cole, who also penned the screenplay, doesn’t even attempt to trick the audience.’ BloodyDisgusting.com
