Released in 2019, Polaroid is a supernatural horror film that delves into the chilling consequences of unresolved trauma and the dark forces that can follow us from the past. Directed by Lars Klevberg and produced by the team behind The Ring and The Grudge, the film brings to life a terrifying story centered around an old Polaroid camera, capable of capturing not just images, but the fate of its subjects.
Plot Overview
The movie follows the story of Bird Fitcher (played by Kathryn Prescott), a shy, introverted high school student who stumbles upon an old Polaroid camera at a thrift store. As she begins to take pictures of her friends, she quickly realizes that something is wrong. Every person whose picture is taken with the camera seems to be doomed, experiencing horrific, fatal accidents shortly after the photos are developed.
As Bird digs deeper into the origins of the cursed camera, she learns that it is connected to a tragic event from the past—a past that continues to haunt her and those around her. With each new photograph, the stakes get higher, and the friends she holds dear are at risk. Desperate to stop the terrifying curse, Bird must uncover the truth behind the camera before it claims even more lives.
Themes of Fate and Regret
At its core, Polaroid explores themes of fate, regret, and the inescapability of the past. The Polaroid camera, with its eerie ability to freeze moments in time, symbolizes the way the past can haunt us. Every picture taken with the camera captures not just a memory, but the death of a person tied to it, suggesting that no one can escape the consequences of their actions—or the memories that continue to shape their future.
Bird’s struggle with the camera also mirrors her own emotional journey. As she learns more about the dark history of the camera, she is forced to confront her own trauma and guilt, particularly regarding the loss of her parents. The film expertly intertwines supernatural horror with deeply personal stakes, making Bird’s journey more than just a fight for survival, but a battle for redemption and closure.
A Modern Spin on Classic Horror Tropes
While Polaroid may seem to follow familiar horror tropes—such as the cursed object, the mysterious figure, and the reluctant hero—it brings a modern sensibility to these elements, particularly through its exploration of social media and youth culture. The characters are not merely afraid of what they can see or hear, but also of what they capture, in a world where photos and memories are so easily shared, stored, and immortalized. The idea of a photograph being a portal to something darker taps into the modern fear of losing control over our own images and how they can be manipulated or misused in the digital age.
Moreover, the film presents a variety of characters who feel real, though not without the expected horror-movie flaws. While Bird is the obvious protagonist, her friends and acquaintances each bring their own struggles and personalities to the screen. Their individual responses to the haunting camera—ranging from disbelief to resignation—help build a sense of tension and suspense.
Effective Tension and Atmosphere
One of the film’s strengths lies in its ability to create and sustain an atmosphere of tension. Klevberg makes clever use of lighting and sound to build suspense, crafting scenes that are both unnerving and emotionally charged. While some horror films rely heavily on jump scares, Polaroid is more about the creeping dread that builds as the characters’ fates become inevitable, one photograph at a time.
The film’s pacing ensures that the tension remains high throughout, with each photo taken raising the stakes. The use of the camera as a central plot device makes the horror feel tangible and real—every picture snapped feels like another step toward inevitable doom.
Criticism and Reception
Despite its gripping premise, Polaroid received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While many praised the film’s atmosphere and premise, others criticized it for not fully delivering on its potential. Some viewers found the plot predictable, and the characters’ decisions sometimes felt formulaic within the genre. Yet, for fans of supernatural horror, Polaroid still provides enough thrills and chills to entertain, even if it doesn’t break new ground in the genre.
The film’s reliance on established horror tropes may be a deterrent for some, but for those looking for a familiar yet haunting experience, Polaroid delivers. The chilling concept of a cursed photograph and the haunting music that accompanies each scene provide just enough suspense to keep viewers engaged until the final frame.
Conclusion
In the end, Polaroid is a modern horror film that offers an intriguing premise and plenty of eerie moments, even if it doesn’t quite break new ground. It successfully taps into universal fears about fate, trauma, and the consequences of the past. For fans of supernatural thrillers, it serves as a solid entry into the genre, blending nostalgic horror with contemporary fears about the power of images and memories. While not without its flaws, Polaroid is still worth a watch for those who enjoy a good, old-fashioned haunted object story with a modern twist.
