Nerds That Geek Movie Review – ‘Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor’

11/7/2023

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Bridget Rose Perotta and Destiny Brown as Margot and Rebecca in Stephen Cognetti's HELL HOUSE LLC ORIGINS: THE CARMICHAEL MANOR. Photo Courtesy of Cognetti Films, LLC. A Shudder Release.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor’. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Truly, the found footage subgenre of horror is one of the most popular types of films out there for creatives to make, and for audiences to consume, and it makes sense as to why. After all, they can be made for a low budget, and creatives can indeed be creative as to what they let the audience see on screen. Giving rise to a creepy story that can easily reach the masses since they don’t require a massive investment. And as for the viewers, well they love them because we are a culture of voyeurs now, and being able to peek into the lives of others in a manner that entertains and allows for the viewer to process some fears in a safe space, is just a true delight.

Yet what’s fascinating about these wildly popular films, is that some don’t give them the respect they are due, and yet but a handful are genuinely successful and resonate with audiences, and there are good reasons for those problems as well. For gatekeeping is a thing, and needs to stop regarding these films, but also… because there is a formula that goes into making a great found footage film, that so many don’t bother to follow and just rush their film out there. For instance, it needs to be relatable on some level, so we feel as though we are immersed within the story. Plus, it needs to be scary, it needs to be engaging and above all, it needs to world-build and truly give us something captivating to focus upon, and one such franchise that accomplishes this every single time, is the Hell House LLC saga.

For from the beginning, writer/director Stephen Cognetti has created a world where the evil within it feels real, complete with characters we relate to and care about, and stories that scare and captivate and well… once again, Mister Cognetti has brought forth another masterclass in how to make a world-class found footage film through his latest film, which is now available on Shudder, Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor. Which this story accomplishes by having us reflect upon footage recently recovered from the haunted and iconic Carmichael Manor. Wherein ghost hunter extraordinaire Margot, and her brother Chase, and her girlfriend Rebecca went missing after encountering the spirits that roam about the property.

Stephen Cognetti's HELL HOUSE LLC ORIGINS: THE CARMICHAEL MANOR. Photo Courtesy of Cognetti Films, LLC. A Shudder Release.

Which in many ways, is a plot that appears to be nothing more than standard found footage fare, but the devil, as is always the case in these films, is in the details. For Margot is someone we can deeply relate to. For she has a past that drives her to explain the unknown, and she has a broken family and a partner that supports her and that makes all of these characters everyday folks we care about and feel for, checking off one important box on that list. And of course, the footage reveals unto us, a spiraling nightmare of sorts. Where something evil in the house begins to awaken and gain power… and it relates to the Abbadon Hotel. Which grows the mythos of this franchise in a delightful manner and makes the story worthwhile and engaging and enticing really.

But of course, while it’s nice to be treated to solid storytelling and some beautiful tributes and connective tissue to the rest of the franchise, what everyone is wondering, is whether or not this entry is scary, and it most certainly is. For that which haunts this house, knows precisely how to make an entrance when the time comes for the spirits to come alive. And that leads to eerie moments that absolutely make you jump and make your skin crawl. Making this an effective horror film as well, one that genuinely puts you on the edge of your seat with some of the visuals it puts forth. Plus, it features the obligatory clowns present in this saga, and no one likes clowns in horror movies, plain and simple, and yet… the wonder of this story doesn’t end there.

For it also features some solid performances from top to bottom. With every cast member selling the terror and selling their worries, and that leads to an authentic experience and truly, all of these elements blend together to give us… a perfect found footage feature. One that checks all the boxes necessary to offer up a great one, all while taking it to the next level with quality scares and quality writing. Which makes this… a must-see horror feature. Simply because it offers something for everyone. For if you’re a fan of the franchise, you’ll enjoy wonders untold here, and if you’re new to found footage or just love a solid horror film, there’s plenty to help you fall in love with these films, and plenty to chill you. Courtesy of a movie that is made with care and filled with scares.

Watch ‘Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor’

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