‘Vacation is all about escape’
Chateau is a 2024 found footage horror film about an aspiring influencer vlogging in a supposedly haunted mansion.
The movie was written, directed and executive produced by Luke Genton. It was produced by co-star Colton Tran.
The Colton Tran Films production stars Cathy Marks (American Horror Story; Scream Queens series), Colton Tran, Rachel Alig, Mikayla Soo-ni Campbell, Hettie Lynne Hurtes, Arnaud Préchac, Peter Thias, Julie Tessier and Fanny Miller.
Plot:
While on a French vacation funded by odd jobs, James (Cathy Marks), an aspiring influencer covertly films a vlog in a reportedly haunted chateau she’s been hired to clean.
With unrestricted access to a property that is normally closed to the public, she sees an opportunity to covertly film material that could result in an influx of followers…
Reviews:
“There are plenty of scares, and with one notable exception, this is a found footage movie that can be enjoyed by viewers of any age. Chateau does not try to reinvent the wheel (though it does have an arguably happy ending) and instead focuses on its characters leading to a fun watch.” AIPT
“With its jaw-clenching tension and Marks’ radiating presence, Chateau packs in the scares and doesn’t skimp on the twists. Images claw at the throat, as the viewer spirals further and further into Murder Castle’s dusty corners. What you don’t see is equally as frightening as in-your-face frights that make the blood boil and give you hot flashes. Genton masterfully crafts a story that speaks to current digital culture, while never feeling cringy or overcooked…” ★★★★ B-Sides and Badlands
“Genton’s aim is simply to deliver a fun, frightful, good time, not reinvent the found footage format. Those who come looking for just that may find it here, largely thanks to the beguiling Chateau itself and the inventive camera setups Genton employs to make this haunted house a character itself. But those tired of the subgenre won’t be moved by the familiar trappings of the found footage format, motion sickness inducing shaky cam in parts and all.” Bloody Disgusting
“It was refreshing and kept me engaged. Another unexpected shift, delving into James’ unresolved trauma, sets the tone for the film’s remainder. The forced POV continues to be entirely unsettling. The jump scares are earned. The makeup team does a fine job with the progressive looks.” Reel New Daily
“There is a good story here, there are some good performances here. There are some chills. The problem here is how the film was shot. It doesn’t look like someone was shooting something to be streamed but rather shot to kind of look that way.” Unseen Films
YouTube reviews:
Trailer:
Clip:
Release:
Chateau made its world premiere at this year’s Popcorn Frights film festival. Quiver Distribution will release the movie on a date to be announced.
Cast and characters:
Cathy Marks … James
Colton Tran … Dash
Rachel Alig … Fleur
Mikayla Soo-ni Campbell … Lila
Hettie Lynne Hurtes … James’ Mother
Ralph Adriel Johnson … American Man
Arnaud Préchac … Reginald ‘Reggie’
Ali Wills … American Woman
Peter Thias … Historian
Julie Tessier … Andrea
Fanny Miller … Pia/Ma
Jake Miller … Delivery Man/Window Washer
Country of origin:
United States
Technical specs:
1 hour 23 minutes
Filming locations:
Chateau Haute Jaure in Bergerac, France, before renovations that will transform it into a wedding venue.
Film facts:
Shot on iPhone 14.
