Familiar Scares Frighten in “Chateau”

Chateau (Luke Genton, 2024) 4 out of 5 stars

Chateau initially appears to be yet another entry in the found-footage horror genre. The film centers on James (Cathy Marks, The Bell Keeper), who takes on a job restoring a French chateau. Upon discovering that the location may be a magnet for the supernatural, James secretly documents her experiences for a vlog. Will the risk of coming face-to-face with a specter be worth the potential online game and glory?

While criticisms of Hollywood’s reliance on sequels and remakes are valid, one cannot be surprised by the motivations behind a studio’s insistence on producing material that gets dollars through the box office and butts in seats. This mindset has been applied to horror films since the genre’s inception.

Chateau incorporates all the typical elements, including jump scares, an urban legend, and chase scenes, which may appear overly familiar. However, it would be inaccurate to label the film as derivative. While it follows a structure we’ve seen before, the presence of an engaging protagonist helps to keep the narrative fresh.

James and her relatable, down-to-earth silliness resonate with ease. Marks’ dynamic with Dash (Colton Tran, Sorry, Charlie) stands out as one of the film’s strengths. Chateau does not aim to revolutionize the genre, but rather emphasizes character work, resulting in an enjoyable viewing experience.

Patrick Howard

Patrick Howard has been a cinephile since age seven. Alongside 10 years of experience in film analysis and criticism, he is a staunch supporter of all art forms and believes their influence and legacy over human culture is vital. Mr. Howard takes the time to write his own narrative stories when he can.