The McKinney Family Home Videos

Directed by Nicholas Cotrufo

The McKinney Family Home Videos is a chilling tribute to the found footage horror genre, blending nostalgia with an unsettling sense of dread. Director Nicholas Cotrufo crafts a story from a simple home video tape found in an attic, slowly unraveling a sinister narrative lurking behind the innocent façade of a family’s 90s memories. The film plays on the idea of our cherished home videos—the mundane and joyful moments captured for posterity—being twisted by something far darker. What begins as a sentimental look into family life turns into a disturbing exploration of the supernatural.

The technical aspects of the film really enhance its atmosphere. The editing is particularly striking, with layers of static and glitchy interruptions that grow more menacing as the film progresses. These elements work to build an ominous tone, keeping the audience on edge without relying on typical horror tropes like jumpscares or excessive gore. However, the sound could be clearer in some places—certain parts of the dialogue were difficult to hear, which pulled me out of the tension at times. Despite this, the cinematography and shot composition made up for any sound issues, using eerie still shots and clever angles to heighten the unease.

The movie effectively tells the story of the McKinney family’s unraveling through their home videos, with each new tape uncovering more of the strange and supernatural forces at play. While the film maintains a deliberately disorienting feel, it aligns with the confusion the characters must be experiencing, especially as their lives spiral out of control. This is not a straightforward narrative, but it doesn’t need to be. Fans of horror will appreciate the slow burn and the creeping terror that builds throughout.

As someone who doesn’t typically watch horror, I still found The McKinney Family Home Videos compelling. It managed to get under my skin, leaving me feeling tense and unsettled even after the credits rolled. It may not appeal to all audiences, but for those who enjoy being genuinely scared, this film delivers on its promise.