Hunting Matthew Nichols

Hunting Matthew Nichols is a found-footage "documentary" that feels very similar to Chris Stuckmann's Shelby Oaks. Unfortunately for director Markian Tarasiuk, that comparison applies to more than just the narrative similarities, since Hunting Matthew Nichols is also a pretty bad film.

In this movie, Tara Nichols tries to reopen the case of her missing brother twenty three years after he originally disappeared. Expecting to find some closure, Tara finds an unsettling piece of evidence instead, causing her to believe that her brother is still alive.

Now, I don't want to spoil exactly what happens to Tara's brother, but I do want to mention that this story does involve a Satanic cult. Because this is the third movie that I've seen in less than one month to feature Satanists. I feel like I need a spiritual cleanse or something.

But the demonic reveal, the missing person's case being re-examined after a long period of time, and the "found footage" style, are all elements that feel reminiscent of last year's Shelby Oaks. The rest of the film, however, is clearly inspired byThe Blair Witch Project. So much, in fact, that the finale basically acts as a complete ripoff of that film. Which is disappointing. Because, while the movie isn't necessarily bad, Hunting Matthew Nichols definitely lacks a personality of its own.

It does have some decent scares, some interesting world-building details, and some solid performances, but none of that adds up to make for a good movie overall.

Miranda MacDougall does her best to try and carry this film, but her performance isn't enough to elevate the rest of the material here. Tarasiuk definitely has potential as a new filmmaker, though, so I'd be very curious to see what he works on next. But, as is the case with Chris Stuckmann, I really hope that his next directorial effort will turn out to be better than his feature film debut.

Because Hunting Matthew Nichols would, unfortunately, not get a recommendation from me.