Man Finds Tape 

(dirs. Paul Gandersman & Peter S. Hall)

By: Dave Hughes

While conspiracy theories are nothing new, technology has brought them into the collective consciousness, allowing interpretations of events to spread like wildfire across internet forums. This digital paranoia is the heartbeat of Man Finds Tape, a unique horror-thriller told entirely through found footage and investigative podcast segments. The film follows the unraveling of one man's life as he chases a small-town theory that runs wildly out of control. Though the premise is engaging, Man Finds Tape occasionally sacrifices narrative clarity in favor of atmosphere, resulting in a provocative but uneven viewing experience.

The film centers on Lucas, played by William Magnuson (House of Abraham and Inbetween Girl), a young YouTuber whose channel unexpectedly explodes after the eerie discovery of a videotape addressed to him. The tape and its subsequent online dissemination immediately make Lucas the focus of intense digital scrutiny. There is a mix of encouraging fans and skeptical critics that attempt to dissect what is real and what is not aboutLucas is caught between encouraging fans and skeptical critics, all of whom are attempting to dissect the true nature of what is unearthed in Lucas’ footage. Lucas, supported by his sister, Lynn, begins a deeper investigation into the town's history, uncovering mounting mysteries as the evidence points increasingly toward the head of the local church. 

Man Finds Tape is a film that does an excellent job setting up the premise. Viewers are sure to invest thanks to an opening monologue and the discovery of the contents of the first mysterious tape. It’s also an excellent use of the found footage element of horror. Security cameras, Zoom sessions, and interviews are all used effectively to set up the premise. It also gives audiences a good idea of who the characters are and a little about the town all while making it seem credible. 

At a critical juncture, Man Finds Tape reveals the core of its mystery in a moment of shocking grotesque brutality. This abrupt and violent disclosure instantly shifts the film's tone, trading the slow-burn paranoid thriller atmosphere for unflinching, visceral horror. It is a polarizing stylistic move that not only re-calibrates viewer expectations but also ensures the film's imagery lingers long after the credits roll.

Some of the most effective found footage movies feature casts composed of relative unknowns, and Man Finds Tape wisely continues this tradition, which greatly enhances the film's gritty authenticity. William Magnuson anchors the film as Lucas, delivering a convincing descent from an eager YouTuber into a figure of sleepless paranoia. Crucially, he is matched by John Gholson (Bad Thoughts, Blood Relatives) who is incredibly unsettling as the town preacher, Rev. Endicott Carr. Gholson plays Carr with a creepy demeanor and a volatile temper; his televised sermons, reminiscent of infamous, ill-intentioned cult leaders, are enough to make even a seasoned horror veteran uncomfortable. Furthermore, Kelsey Pribilski (Landman) provides the necessary emotional counterpoint as Lucas’s sister, whose mounting terror offers the audience a relatable perspective through which to experience the spreading fear.

Target Score 6.5/10: With a compelling cast and fascinating premise, by effectively utilizing the found footage format, Man Finds Tape delivers a visceral experience that provides audiences plenty of grounded elements worthy of engagement.