In the ever-expanding world of screenlife horror, Bloat sets itself apart by leaning further into supernatural terror than its more grounded predecessors, Searching and Missing. While both of those films were gripping, mystery-driven thrillers, Bloat opts for a darker, more horror-centric approach. Directed by Pablo Absento, the film makes excellent use of its digital storytelling format, incorporating various video mediums such as security camera footage, live streams, and smartphone recordings to create a tense and immersive experience.
One of Bloat’s biggest strengths is its presentation. The film’s use of different screen perspectives keeps the tension high, and the editing is tight, allowing for a seamless flow between various points of view. The digital format never feels like a gimmick but rather an essential part of the storytelling. This aspect alone elevates Bloat above many other found-footage horror films, making it feel modern and relevant while still delivering genuine suspense.
While Bloat excels in its technical execution, the performances are a mixed bag. Ben McKenzie shines as Jack, delivering a solid and believable performance that helps anchor the film. Bojana Novakovic as Hannah also provides a strong presence, adding emotional weight to the narrative. However, the younger actors, including Sawyer Jones as Kyle, don’t always hit the mark. Their performances fluctuate, with moments of genuine emotion undercut by more awkward deliveries. Kane Kosugi, playing Ryan, similarly struggles, failing to bring much depth to his role.
The film’s weakest link, however, lies in its writing. While the premise is intriguing, certain plot points feel underdeveloped or overly convenient. One glaring example is Ryan’s visit to a monk who miraculously has all the answers regarding the film’s supernatural events. This moment stands out as particularly lazy writing, as it reduces the mystery to a simple exposition dump rather than allowing the audience to piece things together naturally.
Perhaps Bloat’s most significant shortcoming is its ending. Searching and Missing managed to tie their mysteries together in a way that felt satisfying and earned, but Bloat stumbles in this regard. The film builds tension effectively throughout its runtime, only to fizzle out with an ending that feels rushed and unresolved. Instead of a rewarding climax, viewers are left with more questions than answers, making the journey feel somewhat hollow in retrospect.
Despite its flaws, Bloat is still an engaging watch, especially for fans of screenlife horror. The film’s visual execution and eerie atmosphere keep it compelling, even when the story itself falters. It’s a solid addition to the genre, but it falls short of its predecessors due to inconsistent performances and weak writing. If you can overlook the lackluster ending and a few questionable plot choices, Bloat remains a decent horror experience worth checking out.
Jessie Hobson