Found footage and faux documentary-style horror films are nothing new. The genre has evolved since This Is Spinal Tap introduced mockumentary storytelling decades ago. Today, filmmakers continue to reinvent these formats, and Man Finds Tape is a prime example.
Written and directed by Peter Hall and Paul Gandersman, Man Finds Tape blends found footage, POV horror, and psychological thriller elements to craft an eerie and suspenseful mystery.
The story follows Lucas Page (William Magnuson), who runs a viral YouTube channel called “Man Finds Tape.” His channel thrives on unsettling home videos that captivate and terrify viewers. But when Lucas discovers surveillance footage of a murder in his Texas hometown, he turns to his sister Lynn (Kelsey Pribilski) for help. Reluctantly, Lynn returns home to investigate, only to uncover a chilling secret tied to a decades-old supernatural phenomenon that challenges everything she believes. As a mysterious stranger (Brian Villalobos) enters the picture with dark motives, Lynn faces the horrifying truth about her family’s connection to a deadly legend haunting Larkin, Texas.
While Man Finds Tape isn’t without flaws, it’s an impressive debut for Hall and Gandersman. The film delivers solid pacing across its 84-minute runtime, balancing suspense, mystery, and classic found footage horror tropes, from eerie VHS tapes and cryptic figures to a sense of dread that builds until the final moments. A few well-placed jump scares keep audiences engaged without relying on cheap tricks.
The cast, though mostly unknown, gives convincing and grounded performances that elevate the material. Magnuson and Pribilski, in particular, make their sibling dynamic believable and emotionally charged. Despite the film’s low-budget production, the directors focus on atmosphere and storytelling over flashy effects, allowing the tension and mystery to shine through.
At its core, Man Finds Tape is a slow-burning supernatural horror layered with mystery and true-crime elements. It’s eerie, intriguing, and full of potential. Hall and Gandersman prove they can create something truly engaging with minimal resources. If this debut is any indication, their next project, hopefully with a bigger budget, could be something special.
Verdict: A chilling and creative addition to the found footage horror genre, Man Finds Tape is a must-watch for fans of indie horror and supernatural mysteries.
MAN FINDS TAPE – In Select Theatres & On Demand on December 5, 2025
Written/Directed by: Peter Hall, Paul Gandersman
Produced by: David Lawson Jr, Aaron Moorhead, Justin Benson, Ashley Landavazo
Executive Produced by: C. Robert Cargill, Jessica Cargill, Nate Bolotin, Nick Spicer, Aram Tertzakian, Maxime Cottray, James Shapiro
Starring: Kelsey Pribilski, William Magnuson, John Gholson, Brian Villalobos, Nell Kessler
Runtime: 86 minutes
Magnolia Pictures & Magnet Releasing
