Glossy production, persuasive performances, and a provocative set of scares make "Mean Spirited" a worthwhile watch for found footage fans, even if that means deviating from the genre's roots on occasion.
Though the film sometimes unfaithfully breaks free from pre-established found footage formulas, sometimes to the detriment of believability, decent production levels, and a well-constructed plot, do a credible job of masking any immersion-breaking moments.
Part allegory on the soulless side effects of influencer fame fulfillment, Mean Spirited (2023) offers some intriguing meta elements that keep events current and in touch with modern times while adopting a new spin on traditional found footage conventions.
At times, the script has a tendency to drift from its intended course, and equally, the scares could be sharpened further for heightened effect. However, as entertaining comedy-horror hybrids go, especially within the world of found footage, this one's worth sticking around for.
It doesn't always fire on all cylinders, but thanks to slick production elements and believable performances all-round, the experience stays somewhat solid until the end.
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