[REC] takes the form of a found footage horror movie and does a great job setting itself apart from the beginning. While other found footage films can fall short because of mediocre acting or, in the case of Paranormal Activity, unrealistically unlikable characters, the cast, and the characters they portray, hit every mark. The performances really lend to a believable horror film that manages to scare on several levels.

Thrills are not sacrificed for the sake of chills and vice versa. [REC] boasts some of the best traditional, jumpy scares I’ve ever seen and builds an atmosphere of cold horror as time goes on. The third act is downright horrifying. And, yes, [REC] does fit the parameters of a “zombie” movie, but the very small apartment building setting gives it an intensely personal feel that most genre films can’t hope to achieve.

This is a must watch.