A couple is tormented by a mysterious stranger in the horror film 388 ARLETTA AVENUE.
James and Amy begin to notice some odd occurrences when James finds an unknown CD in his SUV’s stereo. Amy believes James created the CD and forgot he’d done so, finding many of the CD’s songs burned on to their computer. The event causes an argument between the two, and the morning after the dispute, James goes to work feeling guilty.
James returns home that evening, finding a note from Amy that says she’s left to take a break. James suspects that Amy's break is not a break at all, but rather an occurrence created by outside forces.
388 ARLETTA AVENUE is a basic horror film, borrowing from PARANORMAL ACTIVITY in style and THE STRANGERS in content.
Although not altogether unique, 388 ARLETTA AVENUE works as an unnerving thriller, a horror film that seeps into the back of your mind, rather than attempting to engross your eyes. The terror that is initially inflicted upon the couple, and then completely on James, gradually builds from scene to scene, as we discover small pieces of James’ personal history, and as the events become more and more disturbing.
Writer-director Randall Cole keeps the film simple and tight, with James’s actions and reactions escalating with additional information and revelations. All of the events are revealed through the eyes of the tormentor, initially through his camera’s shutter a la REAR WINDOW, and then through a series of strategically-placed video cameras.
This unique point-of-view adds to the terrifying atmosphere created by Cole, with disconcerting footsteps and creaks at night, and eerie old pop songs that begin playing on James’ computer.
This also mounts to a climax and conclusion that may be less-than satisfying, but becomes more haunting even after the credits have rolled.
Grade: B
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