Directed by John Erick Dowdle [Other horror films: Quarantine (2008), Devil (2010), As Above, So Below (2014)]
While not amazing, The Poughkeepsie Tapes is a decent found footage-type film, utilizing many different techniques, from footage to interviews, news reports, etc., in telling the story of a serial killer who has avoided capture for years. It’s not particularly gory or that visceral, but it is a bit disturbing at times. I just don’t know how memorable it really is.
There’s no doubt some quite unforgettable scenes here, such as a creepy crawling the killer once did, or a second toward the end revealing the depths of the killer’s brutality. Some of it is hard to watch, such as the ending in which a victim of the killer’s was found alive but completely screwed up mentally, giving a rather heart-wrenching interview.
But is it truly that memorable? Truthfully, I don’t really think so. It’s certainly engaging in the moment, but I don’t think it has the staying power required of a found footage movie to be recalled that often, despite the decent plot and solid presentation.
For what it’s worth, I would say that the film’s probably worth seeing, but I’ve seen it twice now, and I’ve not really been particularly moved either time. It’s not a bad movie by any stretch, but I just don’t think it’s great. But hey, maybe I’m off-base, and it’s your type of thing, so take it and fly.
7/10
This is one of the films covered on Fight Evil’s podcast. If interested, listen below as Chucky (@ChuckyFE) and I discuss this one.
Jiggy's Horror Corner 
I commend you for watching this twice. Once was enough for me and not necessarily because it was bad, but disturbing. It really felt like a mix of serial killer behaviors. It’s like the director didn’t know what to add so he threw in the kitchen sink of horror lol
Agreed that it’s worth a watch, but not remarkable.
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I can definitely agree with it being disturbing, especially a few of the ‘interviews’ later in the film. For a movie along this same vein, albeit taking things rather a different direction, you may want to watch Howard’s Mill (2021), as I personally found it, while maybe not as memorable, an overall better experience.
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