If you think real-world police bodycam footage is tense, wait until you see what director Brandon Christensen has done with the medium. His latest horror flick, Bodycam, is officially heading to Shudder, and it is a brutal, nauseating, wild ride in the best way possible.
Here is the lowdown on why this should be on your radar (and why you might need some Dramamine).
The Plot: A Cover-Up Gone Supernatural
The story kicks off with a routine domestic dispute call that goes south in seconds. Adrenaline takes over, a tragic accident occurs, and bodies end up on the ground. Fearing the end of their careers and a public outcry, two officers make the split-second—and very wrong—decision to cover it up.
They think they have done away with the evidence, but something was watching from the shadows. Something supernatural witnessed the entire crime, and it’s seeking its own version of street justice.
The Visionary: Brandon Christensen
If you’re a fan, Christensen is likely already on your “must-watch “list. He’s the mind behind some of the most unsettling indie hits of the last few years, such as Still/Born and Z.
Christensen is a master of “daytime horror,” proving he doesn’t take you down a dark alley to make you jump. With Bodycam, he shifts from creepy family dynamics to the high-stakes world of law enforcement.
The Cast
The talented cast includes Catherine Lough Haggquist, Angel Prater, and Keegan Connor Tracy. And I will say this, the leads, Jaime Callica and Sean Rogerson, did an absolutely amazing job. They impressed the hell out of me. They made their characters’ terror feel real. I watch a lot of bodycam videos. And for a moment, I forgot I was watching a movie. That is the sign of a great film. So, bravo.
Fresh, Fast, and Dizzying?
I’ll be honest: I’m not a fan of the found-footage subgenre. The “shaky cam” effect often leaves me feeling more nauseous than scared. While Bodycam definitely triggered that motion sickness for me, I pushed through, and I’m glad I did.
Why it works
We’ve seen a lot of found-footage films before, but a full film that leans entirely into the bodycam is a first, and its aesthetic feels fresh, incredibly claustrophobic, and unnerving.
The cinematography is brilliant. Many scenes are lit only by the characters’ bodycams and flashlights, creating a sense of total isolation, darkness, and tension. You only see what they see, and that is terrifying. It was a clever choice by the director. It keeps you glued to your TV, desperately searching the shadows for hidden things. And if you watch closely, you will spot a few things that disappear in the blink of an eye.
The supernatural element adds a layer of horror that a standard police thriller just couldn’t. It’s more than just creepy characters, monsters, and bad choices; it’s something bigger: corruption, desperation, and the belief in cults and curses. The cult aspect also feeds into the unease; the way the members move, chant, and react is utterly creepy as hell.
The Verdict
I found myself pleasantly surprised. I thought the bodycam angle would be more of a gimmick than a tool to instill fear. But Bodycam is the real deal. It’s packed with tension and throws you off balance. It’s well-written, well-shot, well-timed, and a truly creepy watch. So, yeah, I would definitely recommend it.
Where to Watch
Ready to feel your pulse race? Fire up your Shudder or AMC+ account. Bodycam officially drops on Friday, March 13th—the perfect date for a premiere.
⚠️ Warning: If you are sensitive to strobe lights, you might want to sit this one out. The film is packed with flashing lights that could be a major trigger for those with seizure disorders like epilepsy.
