What Happened to Dorothy Bell? presents an intriguing concept that blends supernatural horror with deep, introspective themes surrounding generational trauma and mental health. Directed by Danny Villanueva Jr., the film follows Ozzie Gray (Asya Meadows) as she unravels her family’s dark history, confronting a chilling urban legend connected to a haunted library in her hometown. This found footage horror cleverly intersperses VHS tapes, security footage, video diaries, and camcorder recordings to create an unnerving sense of disorientation and paranoia.
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its commitment to blending multiple mediums, giving What Happened to Dorothy Bell? an authentic analog feel. The use of older formats, like home videos and security camera captures, immediately immerses viewers in a sense of nostalgia and unease. The result is an atmosphere that feels gritty, raw, and incredibly real. The transitions between these formats enhance the tension and keep you on edge, especially as you navigate the supernatural elements alongside Ozzie.
Asya Meadows delivers a largely compelling performance as the lead, effectively portraying Ozzie’s emotional complexity as she battles her mental health while confronting her family’s hidden past. While there are moments where her delivery feels flat and monotone, her overall presence helps carry the film. Meadows' portrayal of Ozzie’s wounded vulnerability makes her a relatable protagonist as she navigates the blurry lines between reality and the supernatural.
Michael Hargrove, known for his role in Candyman, delivers one of the standout performances in the film, though his screen time is limited. His presence is a welcome addition, and more of him could have elevated the tension even further. Lisa Wilcox, a legend in the horror genre from her Nightmare on Elm Street days, also adds to the film’s credibility, though her role is equally brief.
The film shines in its eeriest moments, particularly the scenes set in the haunted library. These extended sequences linger just long enough to create an oppressive, unsettling atmosphere. However, while the pacing works in some scenes, others feel unnecessarily drawn out, sometimes detracting from the overall tension. The film’s finale, unfortunately, doesn’t deliver the payoff many viewers might expect, leaving a somewhat lackluster feeling after such an intriguing setup.
At its best, What Happened to Dorothy Bell? is reminiscent of found footage classics like The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity. However, at times, it struggles with its own identity, occasionally trying too hard to mimic other films in the genre instead of fully embracing its unique voice. The result is a film that feels uneven, with moments of brilliance that are hindered by a lack of cohesion.
That being said, Villanueva Jr. does a commendable job intertwining themes of trauma and mental illness with supernatural horror. The exploration of how families hide painful truths to protect one another feels honest and insightful, even if the film doesn’t always manage to say something entirely new. Despite some pacing issues and underwhelming audio in the VHS sequences, What Happened to Dorothy Bell? excels in creating an atmosphere that will leave viewers both unsettled and introspective.
Overall, while the film doesn’t quite live up to its strong opening sequence, it offers an interesting take on the found footage genre and the horrors of buried family secrets. The mix of analog and modern footage, along with solid performances and a haunting backdrop, makes this an experience worth watching for fans of supernatural thrillers.
Jessie Hobson