Some say cellphone cameras are better than their actual camera. But what about filming a big screen movie with just a cellphone?
Prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey into a realm where the spine-tingling allure of horror is brought to life through the lens of the most ordinary device—a cell phone. Within this captivating world of cinema, limitations have been shattered by bold filmmakers who have harnessed their cell phones as tools to craft stories that grip your soul and refuse to let go.
Get ready to explore five masterpieces that have elevated smartphone filmmaking to an adrenaline-fueled art form.
9 Rides
“9 Rides” is a 2016 American film that masterfully utilizes the capabilities of a smartphone to create a compelling narrative. Written and directed by Matthew A. Cherry, the film stars Dorian Missick as an unnamed Uber driver who receives life-altering news during a very busy night. The film also features Omar Dorsey and Robinne Lee in pivotal roles.
The uniqueness of “9 Rides” lies in its production technique. The entire film was shot in less than a week in November 2015 using an iPhone 6s, capturing scenes in 4K quality. This approach showcased the potential of smartphones in creating cinematic experiences. The film premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival on March 11, 2016, and garnered positive reviews for its innovative filmmaking and engaging storytelling. Critics such as Shannon M. Houston of Paste rated the film a 7.5, highlighting its impact in the realm of mobile filmmaking.
Unsane
“Unsane” is a psychological horror film released in 2018, directed by Steven Soderbergh. The movie was shot entirely on an iPhone 7 Plus, showcasing the potential of smartphone filmmaking. The plot revolves around a young woman named Sawyer Valentini, portrayed by Claire Foy, who finds herself involuntarily committed to a mental institution. Here, she believes she is being stalked by her greatest fear, leaving the audience to question whether the threat is real or a product of her delusion.
The film, with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes, was shot in just 10 days and premiered on March 23, 2018 and had its premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, one month before its release. Despite its low budget of approximately $1.5 million, “Unsane” managed to gross over $14 million worldwide. The film received praise for its innovative approach to filmmaking and engaging storytelling, earning a rating of 6.4/10 on IMDb.
Char Man
“Char Man” is a 2019 comedic (kinda) horror and mystery thriller that intertwines two urban legends in a unique narrative. Furthermore, the film follows the journey of two friends, Kent and Andy, who set out to create a faux documentary about the infamous Ojai Vampire. Alongside their cameraman, Eric, they travel to Ojai, California, to piece together their story. Notably, the legend they explore speaks of a Spanish vampire who arrived in Ojai in 1890 and wreaked havoc by killing local cattle, protected by a wolf companion.
The film takes a fascinating and frightening turn when the trio learns about another local legend: The Char Man. The movie, directed by Kurt Ela and Kipp Tribble, is known for its distinctive approach to storytelling and production. Remarkably, “Char Man” was shot in just two and a half days. The filmmakers used an iPad as their primary “A camera” and their smartphones as their secondary “B cameras.” The longest duration of shooting in a single day lasted for 4 hours.The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes and is available for rent or purchase on various streaming platforms.
Threshold
Shot entirely on iPhone,s “Threshold” is a 2020 independent horror film that follows the story of a brother and sister on a cross-country road trip. The film revolves around Virginia (Madison West), who believes she is cursed after joining a cult and subsequently becoming estranged from her family. Her brother, Leo (Joey Millin), accompanies her on a journey across the country to meet a stranger who Virginia believes can break the curse. As they travel, it becomes increasingly clear that there are ominous forces at play.
Directed by Powell Robinson and Patrick R. Young, “Threshold” has an innovative approach to storytelling, and creates a narrative with limited resources. Furthermore, some critics have commended the film for its unique take on the road trip genre and its exploration of cult-related horror themes.
Those That Follow
“Those That Follow” is a short film that stands out for being shot entirely on an iPhone 13 Pro. Directed by Parkpoom Wongpoom, this 20-minute film is inspired by true events and revolves around two teenagers who find themselves in a precarious situation following a robbery gone awry. Seeking refuge at a local ghost mask festival, the teens soon realize that there is no escaping their deeds as they encounter the chilling local belief of “Phi Ta Khon,” which translates to ghosts that follow people.
The film is a testament to the director’s innovative approach, utilizing the iPhone 13 Pro’s Cinematic mode, which allows for post-production focus point switching. During the filming in Loei province, where the actual Phi Ta Khon festival takes place, Parkpoom leveraged the iPhone’s Ultra Wide lenses and larger apertures to capture low light conditions while maintaining vivid colors. The result is a film that holds its own in terms of unsettling ambiance and quality, comparable to top-notch horror productions. Parkpoom described the film as an experiment aimed at showcasing possibilities and inspiring future filmmakers.
In the vast expanse of cinematic artistry, the emergence of smartphone filmmaking has carved a niche that’s both revolutionary and deeply intimate. These films, shot on devices we carry in our pockets, have shattered the glass ceilings of traditional filmmaking, proving that creativity knows no bounds. So, the next time you grab your phone, know that it might just be the right tool for a cinematic marvel. So remember: The thrill is just a click away.
Coming up next, we’re diving into a labyrinth of speculation and surprise with 4 Urban Legends That Found Their Way to the Big Screen. Are you prepared to question everything you thought you knew about horror?
