Going back for a classic review of The Blair Witch Project today. One of the first documentaries to essentially put it all on the line for just some scares, this film has given me some of my favorite memories as a child.
The Blair Witch Project Story line
The Blair Witch Project is a documentary about three film students who decide to spend their summer break in the Black Hills Forest looking for the elusive Blair Witch. Armed only with their camera equipment, they slowly drive into more and more difficult terrain until they are hopelessly lost.
After several days of walking in the woods, they encounter a strange woman and her pup who tell them to “go back”. They refuse at first, but soon realize the only way to get out is to do what she says. So off down the road they go…
Read: Why Horror Movies are so scary
The Blair Witch Project Review
The Blair Witch Project isn’t really about the Blair Witch. Yes, it does talk about her, but both the film and most reviews are more concerned with telling a good story. As a result, this isn’t really a horror film.
What makes it work so well is the slow progression of the protagonists into an area that they are not prepared to deal with. The theme of “the firm will save you”. This, along with the attempts to rationalize that “this is what we have always done” makes for some great character interactions that are small but effective. The fact that they have no idea who or what they might be dealing with also ensures some creative uses for gimmicks and scares alike.
The Blair Witch Project is a gem of a film that anyone can enjoy, even if you don’t normally care for scary movies. The lack of supernatural elements and the simple, but effective characters and interactions make this a film I am sure to go back to every Halloween season.
The Verdict:
4 out of 5 stars for The Blair Witch Project
Original 1999 Blair Witch Project Trailer
Movie Details
Staring Cast
Heather Donahue
Michael C. Williams
Joshua Leonard
Production company
Haxan Films
Distributed by
Artisan Entertainment
Release Date (US)
July 14, 1999
Running time
81 minutes