Taglines: Some mysteries should never be solved.
Malibu Horror Story takes place over ten years in Malibu, California, following the mysterious disappearance of four popular high school boys on graduation night. We follow a team of paranormal investigators as they search a sacred cave in the hills of Malibu for clues to the boys’ disappearance, only to uncover a terrifying truth.
When a group of teenagers go missing during a camping trip, there’s initial shock. However, after a brief search and some damning video footage, it’s presumed that they died due to misadventure and the case is closed. A team of paranormal investigators arrive to uncover the truth. They concentrate on the cave where the friends were last seen, which just happens to be on ancient Native American burial grounds.
Found footage remains one of the most popular areas of modern genre cinema. Spurred by the success of The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity, this century has seen a raft of films vying for the attention of horror fans. Filmmakers drawn by the relatively low production costs. In the majority of cases, they’ve fallen way below. However, there are a few exceptions to the rule, such as Lake Mungo, Creep and REC. Malibu Horror Story is another impressive entrant into the sub-genre.
Malibu Horror Story has a lot of fun playing with the notion of a found footage film. It is essentially two movies wrapped up in one. With different sets of actors but ultimately the same outcome. While he doesn’t quite fully land the ending, director Scott Slone has a basket of shocks and tricks up his sleeve. Malibu Horror Story works best when it concentrates on suggestion. Creating a creepy and tense atmosphere. It’s a clever premise, skilfully executed.
Malibu Horror Story (2023)
Directed by: Scott Slone
Starring: Dylan Sprayberry, Robert Bailey Jr, Valentina de Angelis, Rebecca Forsythe, Tommy Cramer, Hector Gomez Jr, Jacob Hughes, Anita Bennett, Joshua Hoover, Chasty Ballesteros, Laura Seay
Screenplay by: Scott Slone
Production Design by: Adam Henderson
Cinematography by: Robert Morris
Film Editing by: Dustin Fine, Scott Slone
Costume Design by: Erika Handley
Set Decoration by: Rebecca Contreras
Art Direction by: Scott Hinckley
Music by: Joshua James Lim
MPAA Rating: None.
Distributed by: Momentum Pictures
Release Date: October 20, 2023
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