Okay, so get this: Cloverfield….right? But in SPAIN.

[Rec] is shot entirely from the perspective of an off-the-clock cameraman, as he and an accompanying television reporter deal with a contagion causing people to become zombies. Yes, you heard me, zombies. I actually hesitate to say the word being that the sophisticated layout and execution of the film indicates its status as more than the cheap B movie status most “zombie movies” have.

The fact that the movie is presented in found footage format is actually extremely fascinating, I was able to form a stronger connection (dare I say bond?) with the characters this way, and I felt incredibly devastated when any harm would come there way. I was able to share their experiences and turmoil without being able to help it and it was awful.

I’d say that [Rec] sits somewhere between Cloverfield and Cannibal Holocaust in the realm of found-footage films; it’s strong but not perfect.

Additionally, despite the pitchy (slightly annoying) Barcelona accent, I actually enjoyed the acting. Everyone in the film is, at least to me, largely unknown, meaning that I was able to see them as people and not movie stars. How am I supposed to feel anything about a movie star’s frantic attempts to escape a contagion? I know they’ll be fine no matter what. But with no previous knowledge of these actors, I was able to actually attach with them and feel true empathy.

[Rec] is a casual film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is something that I genuinely appreciate. I recommend anyone who likes horror, even just a little bit, watch this movie. But don’t watch the U.S. version, Quarantine. I only watched ten minutes of that film before I turned it off out of sheer annoyance.