A.V. Opinions: JeruZalem needs to be the next found footage franchise
Every Halloween season, horror fans seek out the scariest and most atmospheric films to get them in the mood. While some go-to classics like “The Exorcist” or “The Shining” might come to mind, I’d like to steer you toward a lesser-known, criminally underrated found footage film: “JeruZalem.”
The movie kicks off with a powerful Talmud quote: “There are three gates to hell: one in the sea, one in the desert, and one in Jerusalem.” Right off the bat, I was hooked. That’s the kind of eerie setup that promises biblical nightmares, and the film does not disappoint. Despite being relatively obscure, this 2015 found footage flick, directed by Doron and Yoav Paz, brings a unique blend of ancient prophecy and modern technology to life in a way that should have made more of an impact.
The Plot: In *”JeruZalem, three friends—Sarah, Rachel, and Kevin—head off on what seems like a dream holiday to Jerusalem. They’re having the time of their lives exploring the historical sites, indulging in local culture, and partying it up. But as you might expect from any horror movie involving holy sites, things take a terrifying turn when gates to Hell open, releasing a swarm of winged demons that quickly turn their vacation into a living nightmare.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, spooky movie monsters. “JeruZalem” lets loose demons that are as terrifying as they are relentless. We're talking full-on biblical chaos with a city under siege by Hell’s minions. There are giant Nephilim walking the streets, winged demons snatching up the unsuspecting, and plenty of head-chomping. What more could you want?
What makes “JeruZalem” stand out from other found footage horror is the setting itself. Filmed on location in the real Jerusalem, the directors faced no small feat. The Paz brothers have been candid about the bureaucratic nightmare they endured to get permits, making sure they respected local customs, and dealing with the city’s tight, narrow alleys and crowded markets. It wasn’t an easy shoot by any means, but they pulled it off, incorporating Jerusalem’s atmosphere and landmarks to create a setting unlike any other. The setting alone elevates the tension because, let’s face it, if there was any place in the world where an apocalypse could feel unnervingly real, it’s Jerusalem.
One of the more divisive aspects of the movie is the choice to shoot everything from the perspective of a Google Glass-like device worn by one of the characters. While many found footage movies stick to the good ol’ camcorder style (REC, Blair Witch), this decision opened up new creative possibilities for the Paz brothers. It’s not just about shaky cameras following someone through dark alleys; the Google Glass allows for more storytelling flexibility. It makes sense why the characters wouldn’t stop filming during an apocalypse—Sarah literally needs the glasses to see.
The POV gimmick adds a techy layer to the film, and while it might sound like a gimmick at first, it works. You feel immersed in the action, trapped in the chaos just as much as the characters are, unable to tear your eyes away from what’s unfolding. Despite some minor imperfections, the effects are impressive. While not perfect, the practical effects and creative vision shine through, making up for the occasional CGI misstep - a forgivable compromise given the budget constraints. The nightmare-fuel moments are particularly well-executed, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship.
With that said, “JeruZalem” currently sits at a 56% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 4.8/10 on IMDb. That’s a crime. Sure, it’s not a flawless movie—the CGI can be hit-or-miss—but the ambition, the setting, and the clever use of the Google Glass POV should have earned it higher praise. It’s the kind of film that, with the right backing, could have blossomed into a successful franchise, much like “REC.” Imagine exploring different characters and perspectives of the same biblical apocalypse, diving deeper into the lore hinted at in the first film. We’ve seen the vacationers’ POV; what about other groups caught in this mess? A Muslim perspective? A viewpoint from a local family or an army unit stationed in the city? The possibilities are endless, and it’s a shame no studio has picked up the potential goldmine of franchise material here.
If you’re looking for a fresh spin on the end-of-days genre this Halloween, “JeruZalem” is a rare gem worth tracking down. It’s not perfect, but if the idea of winged demons from Hell ripping through the Holy City sounds fun (and it should), then give this one a shot. You'll enjoy the rollercoaster ride, especially if you’re into unique settings, found footage horror, and biblical chaos. And who knows? Maybe if enough people start watching it, we’ll finally get that sequel it so richly deserves. “JeruZalem” could very well be the next found footage franchise if given the chance—because let’s face it, gates to Hell in one of the holiest cities on Earth? That’s a premise begging for expansion.
-Brad McBoom