Film Review: Strange Harvest — A Chillingly Real Mockumentary
Directed & Written by: Stuart Ortiz
Cast: Peter Zizzo, Terri Apple, Andy Lauer, Matthew Peschio, Janna Cardia, Travis Wolfe Sr., Christina Helene Braa
Produced by: Stuart Ortiz, Bruce Guido, Alex Yesilcimen, Michael Karlin
Studio: Saban Films and Roadside Attractions
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Rated: R
Run Time: 94 mins
Mockumentaries have been around for decades, dating back as far as the infamous 1938 radio broadcast of War of the Worlds. These films present fictional events in a documentary style, blurring the line between truth and fiction. The term itself was popularized in the 1990s by Rob Reiner while describing his cult classic This Is Spinal Tap. Now, director Stuart Ortiz brings a fresh and terrifying entry to the genre with Strange Harvest, a gripping blend of true crime and horror that feels disturbingly real.
The film follows two detectives, played convincingly by Peter Zizzo (Det. Joe Kirby) and Terri Apple (Det. Alexis “Lexi” Taylor), as they revisit the case of “Mr. Shiny,” a serial killer who vanished two decades ago but has suddenly resurfaced. Told through interviews, body cam footage, and chilling crime scene visuals, the narrative is so immersive that you might forget it’s all scripted.
What sets Strange Harvest apart from many other mockumentaries is its commitment to authenticity. There’s no overacting or melodrama here. Zizzo and Apple deliver grounded, natural performances that anchor the film in a believable reality. The supporting cast, including those portraying witnesses and victims’ families, enhances this realism, making the horror hit even harder.
Stuart Ortiz’s direction is sharp and purposeful. He expertly weaves together fictional documentary elements with cinematic horror, using found footage aesthetics and interview-style segments to create a sense of creeping dread. The crime scenes, complete with bloody corpses and severed heads, are shockingly graphic, amplifying the horror without ever feeling gratuitous.
Jessee J. Clarkson’s portrayal of the mysterious Mr. Shiny is deeply unsettling. With cosmic horror undertones reminiscent of Lovecraft, Clarkson brings a chilling intensity to the role. His performance blurs the line between man and myth, and he commands every frame he appears in. Norman Bates may have set the bar for cinematic psychopaths, but Mr. Shiny is a new nightmare for the genre.
At just 94 minutes, Strange Harvest doesn’t overstay its welcome. Instead, it grips you from the start and refuses to let go, delivering a chilling, atmospheric experience that revitalizes the mockumentary format. With sharp direction, committed performances, and a terrifyingly believable premise, Strange Harvest is a must-see for fans of true crime, found footage, and horror.
STRANGE HARVEST In Theatres on August 8, 2025
