– Butterfly Kisses (2018) Movie Review –
A Horror Fan’s Perspective
As a longtime horror fan, I’ve seen countless found footage films, both hits and misses. But every once in a while, a hidden gem emerges that reminds me why I love this subgenre. Butterfly Kisses (2018), directed by Eric Christopher Myers, is one such film—a movie that deconstructs the found footage format while delivering a chilling urban legend and a mind-bending narrative. I was shocked by how underrated this film is, given its brilliant execution and commentary on the genre.
This review is spoiler-free, so if you haven’t seen Butterfly Kisses, you can still enjoy the surprises the film has to offer. Let’s dive into why this movie is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts. Looking for more horror to watch? Read about what Shudder has to offer this month.
Spoiler-Free Review: What Makes This Film Special
On the surface, Butterfly Kisses appears to be a typical found footage horror movie, but it quickly reveals itself as something much more. The story is layered, blending multiple perspectives to create a narrative that is as engaging as it is unsettling. Unlike many found footage films that rely on jump scares and shaky cameras, Butterfly Kisses takes a slow-burn approach, immersing the viewer in a world that feels eerily real.
What sets it apart?
- A unique storytelling structure: The film combines traditional found footage with a documentary-style investigation.
- An unsettling urban legend: The myth of Peeping Tom is genuinely creepy and well-developed.
- A brilliant meta-narrative: The film explores the very nature of found footage horror and what makes these films believable.
What is Butterfly Kisses About?
The film follows an aspiring filmmaker, Gavin, who stumbles upon a box of videotapes left behind by two students who were working on a documentary about the urban legend of Peeping Tom. Intrigued by their footage, Gavin decides to finish their project and prove that the events they captured are real. As he edits the tapes, he also hires a documentary crew to chronicle his journey, resulting in a film within a film.
The deeper Gavin digs, the more he faces skepticism from critics who accuse him of fabricating the footage. This struggle between reality and fiction is one of the movie’s most fascinating aspects, keeping the audience questioning what is real and what is staged.
The Cinematic Brilliance of Butterfly Kisses
Visually, the film is stunning in its contrasts. The original DV tapes recorded by the students have an eerie, lo-fi quality that adds authenticity to the story. In contrast, the documentary sections are professionally shot, lending credibility to Gavin’s quest while also making the film feel more immersive.
The pacing is deliberately slow, feeding the audience information piece by piece. Unlike many found footage films that rush toward the climax, Butterfly Kisses takes its time to build suspense. By the time the horror elements truly kick in, the viewer is fully invested in the mystery.
The Genius Behind the Film: A Deconstruction of Found Footage Horror
Director Eric Christopher Myers crafted Butterfly Kisses not just as a horror film but as an analysis of the found footage genre itself. In an interview with Dread Central, Myers discussed how he wanted to explore the question: What if someone actually found “found footage”? How would they convince the world it was real?
The movie brilliantly plays with these questions, mirroring real-world skepticism toward found footage horror. The layers of storytelling force the audience to consider the mechanics of the genre while still delivering an engaging and terrifying experience.
The Peeping Tom Legend: A Terrifying Urban Myth
One of the most chilling aspects of the film is the legend of Peeping Tom. According to the myth, if you stare down a tunnel for an hour without blinking, Peeping Tom will appear. From that moment on, every time you blink, he gets closer—until he ultimately reaches you.
This urban legend, though fictional, is executed so well that it feels real. The concept of an entity moving closer with each blink taps into a primal fear, making it one of the most effective horror elements in the film.
The Viral Marketing and Unexpected Believability
The Peeping Tom myth was so convincing that it was mistakenly included in an actual book about haunted locations. The book’s author, Shelly Davies Weagant, unknowingly included it as a real urban legend. Myers had to contact her to clarify that the legend was fictional, proving how well the film blurred the lines between reality and fiction.
The Ed Sanchez Cameo – A Brilliant Nod to Blair Witch
One of the most surprising moments in the film is a cameo by Ed Sanchez, the director of The Blair Witch Project. Sanchez not only appears in the film but also served as a producer, helping refine the final cut. His involvement adds another layer of authenticity, further strengthening the film’s credibility within the found footage genre.
The Tragic Reality: The Director’s Untimely Passing
Sadly, director Eric Christopher Myers passed away in 2021. His work on Butterfly Kisses was a testament to his passion for filmmaking, and he was deeply involved in the horror community. Interviews reveal that he was not only a talented director but also a devoted father who prioritized his son’s well-being.
Knowing this adds a bittersweet layer to the film. While Butterfly Kisses stands as a brilliant piece of horror cinema, it’s heartbreaking that Myers didn’t get to see the full extent of its recognition.
Final Thoughts – Why Butterfly Kisses Deserves More Recognition
Butterfly Kisses is a must-watch for any fan of found footage horror. It’s a film that doesn’t just tell a scary story but also examines the very nature of horror storytelling itself. With a gripping mystery, a haunting urban legend, and a thought-provoking meta-narrative, this movie is a hidden gem that deserves more attention.
If you’re a fan of The Blair Witch Project, Lake Mungo, or The Poughkeepsie Tapes, Butterfly Kisses should be at the top of your watchlist.
FAQ Section
1. Is Butterfly Kisses based on a true story?
No, but it effectively blurs the line between fiction and reality, making it feel incredibly authentic.
2. Where can I watch Butterfly Kisses?
It is available on various streaming platforms. Check your local listings for availability.
3. What makes Peeping Tom so scary?
The idea of an entity moving closer every time you blink plays on natural human instincts, making it an incredibly unsettling concept.
4. Why is found footage horror so effective?
The realism and immersive nature of found footage films make them feel more personal and terrifying.
5. Are there other movies like Butterfly Kisses?
Yes! If you enjoyed this film, you might also like Lake Mungo, The Taking of Deborah Logan, and Noroi: The Curse.
If you haven’t seen Butterfly Kisses yet, now is the time. Give it a watch and let me know your thoughts here or on the Youtube Channel!
Purchase Butterfly Kisses: Click here
Stream Butterfly Kisses: Click here
