Sundown (2025), from Ragnarok Films, is a spine-chilling found footage horror set to terrify audiences in fall 2025. Directed by Brian Klingborg and Marcus Slabine, this supernatural thriller dives into a haunted house mystery that unravels into something far darker. Starring Kelly Walters, Chris Alexander, Damian Maffei, and Emily Sweet, Sundown blends raw performances with claustrophobic dread, making it a standout for fans of found footage horror and psychological terrors. In this movie review, we explore why Sundown is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts, delivering unsettling twists and a haunting atmosphere.
A Haunting Tale of Grief and Terror
Set in a creaky, isolated house in Catskills, NY, Sundown follows Mary (Kelly Walters), a widow convinced her late husband’s spirit haunts her home after his death from dementia. Her estranged son, Chris (Chris Alexander), arrives with his filmmaker friend Bill (Damian Maffei) and a spiritualist, Clarissa (Emily Sweet), intending to disprove her claims. What begins as a skeptical investigation spirals into a terrifying nightmare as they uncover a truth far more sinister than a restless ghost. Shot as found footage presented as police evidence, the film weaves grief, family tension, and supernatural horror into a chilling narrative.
The story, written by Brian Klingborg, explores themes of loss, doubt, and the unknown, with disturbing twists that elevate it beyond typical haunted house tropes. Its claustrophobic setting and psychological depth make every moment pulse with dread (,,).
Raw Performances That Anchor the Fear
The cast delivers raw intensity, grounding the shaky-cam chaos. Damian Maffei, known for The Strangers: Prey at Night, brings gritty charisma to Bill, his filmmaker’s curiosity masking growing fear. Emily Sweet shines as Clarissa, her eerie calm unraveling into chilling vulnerability, stealing scenes with her nuanced performance. Chris Alexander holds his own as Chris, the skeptical son, though some of his dialogue feels stilted, occasionally breaking immersion. Kelly Walters as Mary conveys heartbreaking grief and paranoia, making her plight deeply relatable.
The ensemble, including Erich Rausch in a supporting role, creates a tense dynamic, amplifying the supernatural unease. Their performances make the found footage feel authentic, drawing viewers into the family’s nightmare (,).
Claustrophobic Atmosphere and Chilling Craft
Shot with professional cameras in Catskills and Saugerties, NY, Sundown’s found footage style crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere. The dilapidated house, with its creaky floorboards, flickering lights, and shadowy corners, feels alive with menace, captured through shaky cams and static shots (). Practical effects, like ghostly apparitions and unsettling disturbances, deliver creeping dread, though the indie budget occasionally shows in sparse visuals. The soundtrack, with low hums and sudden jolts, pairs perfectly with the mounting tension, creating a haunting nightmare that lingers.
The pacing balances slow-burn suspense with shocking twists, though some X posts note the found footage tropes can feel familiar (). Directors Klingborg and Slabine, known for Dark Offerings, expertly amplify the supernatural horror, making every creak unnerving ().
