Curse of Aurore is a 2020 American found-footage horror film about three filmmakers researching a historic child murder in Quebec.
Directed by Mehran C. Torgoley from a screenplay co-written with Llana Barron, the movie stars Llana Barron, Lex Wilson, Jordan Kaplan, Agathe Salzmann, Casey Nolan, Roxane Delisle and Mike D. Smith. Produced by Llana Barron, Minna Brighton, Kevin Pardo and Mehran C. Torgoley.
Plot:
A “dark web” USB drive reveals chilling footage of three American filmmakers researching a historic child murder in rural Quebec. The true child murder case is that of Aurore Gagnon — a girl who died as a result of the brutal treatment inflicted by her parents in 1920.
As the three filmmakers search for inspiration in the quiet farm town of Fortierville, the place where Aurore died and is buried, they witness a number of bone-chilling paranormal occurrences ultimately leading them to an attempt to communicate with the deceased child.
Armed with a stolen book called “Languages of the Dead,” and a rosary from Aurore’s childhood home, the filmmakers take part in a makeshift seance, foolishly releasing a demonic force that can only be contained through a brutal and archaic ritual…
Reviews:
“There’s nothing really new in Curse of Aurore, apart from the invocation of the real-life story, so you can look forward to jump scares, faces that appear and disappear in mirrors and the like, crosses that turn upside down under their own steam, doors slamming shut of their own accord, and ghostly evidence that is seen clearly only when the filmmakers are reviewing what they have already shot [….] But it’s effective enough, in a low-budget sort of way, and there are some nice visual details that help sell the story.” The Arts STL
“It has a solid framing device and some well-chosen frights that are kept to the end for maximum tension building. Some elements are overly familiar such as your standard shaky cam and those overly intense townsfolk that I mentioned earlier. Nevertheless, there is fun to be had with three likable leads, a fun meta-narrative, and a really solid and scary ending.” Horror Media
“Curse of Aurore is scary at times and there is always a change in sound that alerts you to something happening on screen that you may not have initially caught—I actually had to rewind a couple of times. The characters talk like characters who know they’re on camera. But the camaraderie between Lena (Llana Barron), Kevin (Jordan Kaplan), and Aaron (Lex Wilson) is entertaining, funny at times, and feels authentic for a majority of the film.” Nightmarish Conjurings
“There are plenty of great scares and some good practical effects towards the end. It’s always impressive to me what filmmakers accomplish on a low budget. The acting is terrific, and as much as I wouldn’t want him as my friend, hats off to Jordan Kaplan for his portrayal as the utterly obnoxious (yet strangely endearing anyway) Kevin. Now that’s some good acting.” Pop Horror
” …Aurore’s specific backstory doesn’t inform the present-day story in any meaningful way. She could have been any dead little girl and it would have no effect on this plot, and there isn’t enough novelty to the long-in-coming horrific/supernatural ingredients to compensate. Curse of Aurore is competently put together, and it convinces as found footage (though the addition of digital video glitches is a gimmick that really should have been retired by now)…” Rue Morgue
Release:
Curse of Aurore will be available to rent or own on DVD and U.S. digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms through Freestyle Digital Media on January 12, 2021.
“My goal was to elevate the found-footage genre by making the viewer, not just a voyeur, but to feel like they are an active participant in the supernatural events of the film,” said filmmaker Mehran Torgoley. “Curse of Aurore is an ode to the filmmaker’s journey. It portrays the intimate struggle that so many filmmakers go through to bring their visions to life and the sacrifices made along the way. I’m excited and proud to bring the film to the USA through our partnership with Freestyle Digital Media and kick-off 2021 with a bang.”
Cast and characters:
Llana Barron … Lena
Lex Wilson … Aaron
Jordan Kaplan … Kevin
Agathe Salzmann … Chantal
Roxane Delisle … Blanche
Mike D. Smith … Mr Gagnon
David Robert Donatucci … Benoit
Casey Nolan … Self
Denis Paquin … Father Caron
Louisette Paquin … Angry Woman in Market
Pierre Schlumberger … Cashier
Filming locations:
Fortierville and Sainte-Sophie-de-Lévrard, Quebec, Canada
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport, 505 Rue Principale, Québec, QC G2G 0J4, Canada
Working title:
Paerish
Teaser and trailer:
YouTube reviews:
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