13 Cameras
Director: Seth Fuller, Scott Hussion
Date Created: 2018-07-22 20:57
4
Pros
- Hidden movie gem
- Tense and complicated
- Characters make unconventional choices
Cons
- Limited infomation about the main character's motivations
13 Cameras is the directorial debut of Victor Zarcoff, who also wrote the story behind both the original film and its sequel. The sequel, aptly titled 14 Cameras, was released in July 2018 and continues the story years after the first film’s events. Both movies can be found on various streaming platforms, specifically in the horror section. If you enjoy unsettling and voyeuristic style films, then these two creepy stories will certainly satisfy your taste.
With the release of 15 Cameras (review) in October 2023, you have another reason to watch the first two films.
Film “13 Cameras” aka The Landlord
In the sharp opening scenes, a narrative unfolds, showcasing a multitude of covert surveillance devices strategically placed around the globe. 13 Cameras is a tale focusing on Ryan and Claire, a newly expectant couple who innocently rent an apartment. Little do they know, their landlord, Gerald, holds a peculiar fascination with spectating, as revealed by the countless cameras that saturate their new dwelling.
The landlord Gerald is like an Arnold Schwarzenegger version of that beady little frog-man in Human Centipede 2 (2011). Gerald is a less mutant backyard surgeon and a more mutant pervy tech genius. Gerald’s relentless compulsion to invade every nook and cranny of his tenants’ lives with his insidious surveillance network could result in the feeling of crawling skin. A man of few words, if it wasn’t for the intelligent and efficient way he sets to work, he would seem like he had some kind of mental disability.
Best Movies About Hidden Cameras
The film 13 Cameras and its sequel, 14 Cameras, have received mixed reviews from audiences. Opinions on these films vary greatly, but I found them to be intriguing. What sets these films apart is the decision to have characters make unconventional choices. Here I think it works. However, the strength of the narrative lies in the complexity of the characters and their storylines.
Gerald, the main character, creates an eerie and unsettling atmosphere as he plays the role of the voyeuristic “king” in his own Big Brother-style surveillance room. An unpredictable movie, and as the story concluded, I wondered if there was more to Gerald and his sinister activities. Although I had minor complaints, such as the limited information about Gerald’s ability to cover his tracks. 13 Cameras for me is an independent horror movie gem.
I give 13 Cameras
4 Never leaving my toothbrush out again out of 5
13 Cameras Film Trailer
Where to Watch
13 Cameras streaming on:
13 Cameras Cast & 2015 Release Information
- Director and writer: Victor Zarcoff.
- 13 Cameras Case: Neville Archambault (Law & Order SVU 2003), Sean Carrigan (Confessions of an Exorcist 2018), PJ McCabe (The Den 2013) and Brianne Moncrief (Bridesburg 2018.)
- Originally titled Slumlord, the movie had its premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival in 2015.
- Release: VOD 2016 USA. See “13 Cameras” movies free online or justwatch.com to find out where to stream both titles.
Review: 14 Cameras – A Sequel to Give You the Ick
The sequel, 14 Cameras, builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, 13 Cameras. Set a decade after the events of the first film, this installment traps viewers again within the confines of a single location. While 14 Cameras (I See You in the UK) can be enjoyed as a standalone movie with sufficient background information, the expansive scope of 13 Cameras enriches the overall experience.
The storyline in 14 Cameras sheds light on lingering questions from the previous film without divulging any spoilers. One of the standout elements is the character of Gerald, who reveals himself to be far more complex and enigmatic than initially perceived. As the plot unfolds, the extent to which this slumlord’s reach extends amplifies the tension compared to the first movie.
Horror Movie Gems – 14 Cameras
One of the most intriguing aspects of 14 Cameras is the unexpected discovery that Gerald operates by a certain code. Similar to the character of Dexter and his set of rules for killing, Gerald also follows a set of rules. This revelation adds an extra layer of fascination to the narrative. The film culminates in yet another cliffhanger ending, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the resolution in future installments.
Overall, 14 Cameras is a well-executed sequel. With its riveting storyline, intricate character development, and suspenseful moments, this film is an indie movie gem.
What I want now is a prequel. A prequel please Mr. Victor Zarcoff. How will I ever know if two people being called Junior is a coincidence or not?
I give 14 Cameras
4 I’m never renting a hotel again out of 5
- Director: Seth Fuller and Scott Hussion.
- Writer: Victor Zarcoff.
- Starring: Amber Midthunder (Legion 2018), Neville Archambault (The Baby Doll Night 2008), Chelsea Edmundson (Thunder Road 2018), Brianne Moncrief, John-Paul Howard, Hank Rogerson (The Girlfriend Experience 2017), Lora Martinez-Cunningham (Sicario 2015).
- Release: July 2018.
- Titled under I See You in the UK
14 Cameras
Director: Seth Fuller, Scott Hussion
Date Created: 2018-07-27 18:35
4
