The Killing Cell (2025) Film Review

The Killing Cell falls into familiar tropes and beats of the found-footage genre. Notably, the plot sees a group of friends/paranormal investigators head to an abandoned facility, only to find themselves targeted by an evil force. However, filmmakers James Bessey and Karsen Schovajsa realize the truth that any fan of creepy urban-ex videos will tell you, that it is other people you have to worry about, not some supernatural entity. Shortly after finding a few traps, two of the five teens wander off to explore to find naked prisoners, chunks of dog meat on the butcher’s block, and one very violent occupant.

Some aptly gnarly gore pieces punctuate an otherwise straightforward found footage horror flick. Used sparingly, the gore makes an impact when it happens, and the movie, while extreme, never feels like its sole intent is to shock. Instead, you have a solid found-footage film that knows when to put its foot on the pedal to deliver some unforgettable brutality. This brings all the joys of finding a friend’s mutilated corpse and having to dig something out of his violated orifices. It is a rather ideal balance of engaging drama between lifelong friends forced to face unspeakable horrors together and moments of gross-out gore or disturbing visuals.

Adding an extra layer of grime, The Killing Cell uses that classic VHS quality, setting itself in 1996. While the nostalgic touch has become somewhat overused in the found footage space, it is far from losing its charm. Indeed, the combination of viscera and visual grain not only helps hide the seams but also captures that unease of being faced with an ancient artifact, ripped from the hands of someone who went missing decades ago.

When it comes to the cast, the found footage format is not necessarily a star-maker, especially when it focuses on a group and does not spend ample time building up characters. The same can be said here, with no one really making a significant impact, though credit is still due, as each actor comes across as authentic. Stephen Lamar Lewis and Jordan Whitley do a fine job of leading viewers through the dirty halls of an abandoned asylum while losing their minds, and Erin Caitlin Collins commands enough of a screen presence that it would be great to see her in more genre films. Hats off also have to go to the naked cage people, who bared it all for two of the most shocking moments within The Killing Cell.

The found footage genre and fandom (myself included) has become its own beast, with plenty of fans willing to watch anything and everything in the format. As a group, we tend to overlook many of the genre’s shortcomings and are more willing to champion projects we know are not necessarily mainstream. The Killing Cell is a welcome shock to the system, delivering one of the best found-footage offerings of the year, but make no mistake: it is not a future Paranormal Activity; it is one of those films that will thrive among dedicated fans. While a different tonal experience, the movie would be a good compliment to a Sorgoi Prakov or a Be My Cat, it strikes a similar nerve when it comes to shocking reveals.

If you love found-footage films, then The Killing Cell is an absolute must-watch, and I predict it will be one of the most talked-about films in the genre upon its completion of its festival run in 2026. My review score here is as an unapologetic found-footage addict, but it also comes with an understanding of what works and what doesn’t in a genre often brushed aside by mainstream horror fans.

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