Horror Movie Review: Delivery: The Beast Within (2013)

Let’s be straight here. Delivery: The Beast Within is not a great found footage movie. Nor is it a great horror movie either. It’s a flawed horror with problems that continue to plague the found footage sub-genre. However, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I enjoyed it, far more then I thought I would.

Writer and director, Brian Netto mashes up paranormal/demonic events with mental health issues. The question throughout is whether what we’re seeing is actually demonic or just a woman descending into madness.

Kyle (Danny Barclay) and Rachel Massy (Laurel Vail) are taking part in a reality TV show that documents their pregnancy. The entire 9 months filmed for American TV audience’s pleasure. This is a show that could easily be real and the pilot is as glossy and hopeful as if it’s currently an on-going series.

Unfortunately, after the pilot, it was never picked up and it’s up to showrunner Rick (Rob Cobuzio) to show and explain why. You see as Rachel’s pregnancy went on problems begin to plague the production. Cameras would stop working and suffer from visual glitches. Strange noises would be heard but worst of all, Rachel’s behaviour became increasingly erratic.

Her changing behaviour puts a strain on the marriage as Kyle becomes more and more frustrated and distant. She becomes convinced that a demon wants their baby and her spiralling mind-set is captured for us all to see.

A common complaint directed at Delivery: The Beast Within is the lack of traditional found-footage scares. I don’t agree with this. Maybe it’s because I’ve seen so many that a movie that avoids the obvious is way more appealing. Just because it isn’t a jump-scare heavy horror doesn’t mean it doesn’t have scares though. Delivery: The Beast Within has a number of chilling moments such as the sounds picked up on recordings or Rachel’s later behaviour. The laugh that she emits right at the end is very creepy.

Laurel Vail is a great actress and her descent into madness is portrayed really well here. It’s not quite a stellar performance from Danny Barclay though who seems a little bored throughout. The pair also lack chemistry, with early scenes of their happy moments seeming forced rather than natural.

As a character study it doesn’t hold up but as a slow-burn of a horror it is very satisfying. The ending is abrupt but incredibly impactful and shocking. It leaves you feeling cold inside and wondering if what we witnessed was supernatural at all.

I appreciate anyone trying to step away from the expected norm of paranormal found footage horror so in that regard Delivery: The Beast Within is a rousing success.