Film number four takes place after PA2. In fact, it’s set in 2011, so it’s the most up-to-date setting of the entire series. The setting has switched states to Nevada, and our main characters are 15 year old Alex (Kathryn Newton) and her friend/would-be boyfriend, Ben (Matt Shively). There’s a creepy kid living across the street (Bradie Allen) who keeps wandering into Alex’s yard, and it’s when her family lets the boy into their home that the freaky stuff begins.
The performances are great, which is par for the course in the PA films, and Alex and Ben are particularly likeable central characters. As usual, none of the actors are bona fide stars, so giving the film that documentary-type feel is a breeze.
I rewatched Paranormal Activity 3 the other day and actually enjoyed it a lot more than I did on the first occasion. Director Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman filled that film with a multitude of shocking and cleverly constructed moments. Number 4, on the other hand, feels kind of sparse in comparison. In case anybody was wondering, the initial trailer for this film is another case of false advertising – as with PA3, most of the footage didn’t make it to the final cut.
We shouldn’t expect any different at this stage, but fans should be aware that this film asks a lot of new questions, and doesn’t go towards explaining any of the unanswered ones posited by the third film. I wouldn’t be surprised if the next film (and let’s not pretend there won’t be one) is another prequel, perhaps focussing on Katie and Kristi’s teenage years, with the film after that being a direct sequel to this one, chronologically speaking.
There is still enjoyment to be had from this franchise – putting the pieces of the puzzle together is an enjoyable process – though they’d better start clearing some things up soon otherwise they’ll test the fans’ patience. Oh, and there’s a reason to stay to the end of the credits, also…