Dark Sky Films has released a trailer for the much-anticipated indie found footage film,Landlocked, created by Paul Owens, ahead of its early 2023 release.

Landlocked, which stars Owens and his real-life family members in fictionalized roles, has been creating a buzz at numerous film festivals this year, including selection honours from the Brooklyn Horror Film Fest and the Salem Horror Fest. Created on a shoestring budget, with much of it filmed on the vintage home video camera seen in thehorrorfilm,Landlockedintersperses actual footage taken from Owens' childhood with new and disturbing footage that creates a story of what sinisterly lurks behind a seemingly happy family. As the film nears the end, the lines between memory, reality, and the supernatural begin to break down entirely.

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TheLandlockedtrailer begins with Owens' return home after many years away following the presumed death of his parents. Facing demolition, the abandoned and dilapidated home is captured in both new and old footage as Owens realizes he can glimpse happier times through the lens. He begins recording memories for preservation, but the nostalgia quickly turns to horror as he uncovers more of the family’s past and the home’s disturbing history. The film is sure to mix childhood nostalgia and slow burn, creeping dread that makes horror raw and fresh, even on a tiny budget.

The incorporation of actual found footage from Owens' vault is a great twist on the found footage genre, allowing the filmmaker to meld his past into a work of horrific art. This verisimilitude is further enhanced by real-life family members stepping in to play themselves.Landlockedjoins a slew of found footage films from the past three decades, including older horror favourites likeThe Blair Witch ProjectandParanormal Activityand newer films like theHell House, LLC. franchise. The found footage genre can be exciting when done well, but abysmal when done poorly.

Landlocked’s innovation may be the key to its success, which could be astronomical given the film’s low production costs. Even if the film fails to be a hit with general audiences,horror aficionados and found footage fanswill keep an eye on this promising little film and Owens' potential for creating larger-budget horror.

Landlockedhits digital and VOD platforms on January 6th, 2023.