An underrated Canadian found-footage horror; this was the directorial debut of Derek Lee and Cliff Prowse, both of whom also starred here, together with others, most of the cast who appeared in the film, went by their own names; which I think was clever and it added more authenticity to it. The strangers they encountered throughout the film were great and it really seemed like they weren’t in on the film, just everyday people going by their day.

The premise was unique and a fresh take on a classic horror subject. It started out as a happy adventure between two friends, the way they slowly introduced him being afflicted, and his symptoms showing up one by one, it was properly paced, not dragging, and nothing was out of place.

I would’ve loved to know the origin of the sickness and how the host got it. The way they avoid the use of the word “Vampire” was ingenious. They had an idea of it, obviously. However, by not mentioning it much, they strayed away from the usual ideology of what a vampire is. It left everyone, the audience and the cast alike, in the dark about what was really happening. Another thing they did that stood out from the usual was their transformation process and not the usual die-buried-rise. It’s not a pretty sight and felt excruciating. One of the best modern takes in the vampire category.

Afflicted is a genuinely terrifying film, even though it’s somewhat limited in scope and could have expanded on certain aspects. Despite its smaller scale, the story and the shocks it delivers create a palpable sense of anxiety and tension, making you feel as though the horror is unfolding directly in front of you.

The way it builds suspense is really effective in making you feel trapped in the characters’ experience. By the time it wraps up, it doesn’t just leave you with a typical conclusion—it sticks with you, leaving a lingering, uncomfortable feeling that stays in your mind long after the credits roll. It’s one of those films that taps into that raw, unsettling emotion that makes horror so powerful.

An indie-made film and as brilliant as those blockbusters we always see, Another Indie made film is Hell House LLC, you guys have to check that out as well.

The ending was exciting and I would’ve wanted to see more of them in a sequel, but honestly, I’m glad they didn’t do one. It would’ve ruined this film’s reputation. They managed to deliver a film with not much fillers, and still told a proper story in under an hour and a half. Not one scene felt unnecessary, everything was told because it had to be, some things were better left unsaid , and this worked wonders for them. Afflicted is an easy top five on my horror list that were released that year.