There are disturbing stretches when we see nothing or follow a shaky handheld camera's view of bouncing, unclear images. As the plot progresses, the sounds come closer, images become more real, and the students who originally, are relaxed, humorous and friendly, begin to drift into a state of despair. Myrick and Sanchez allow us to view the terror of the students from inside their heads. Irrational decision making, verbal sniping and emotional breakdowns occur more often as the unseen hunter gets physically closer. The development of the characters during the five-days is what the film is all about.
Personalities shift, change and reverse.
The film has it faults. It really isn't scary. The shaky 8mm camera footage didn't bother me but the feedback I'm gotten from several viewers is that there is too much movement. At times, the audio was too low, distorted and unintelligible. The marketing of the film is brilliant.