“JABBERJAW” (2025): TERROR FILMS RELEASING Strikes Again with a Sharp & Sinister Sci-Fi Horror
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Found footage horror has proven itself to be one of the most fascinating and resilient sub-genres in cinematic history. It continues to evolve rather than fade, and I proudly consider it a vital piece of modern horror’s beating heart. There is something thrilling about watching terror unfold through shaky handheld cameras, grainy microphones, and unfiltered human panic. It collapses the distance between viewer and victim and makes us feel like accidental eyewitnesses. “The Blair Witch Project” forever changed the rules by convincing the world that lost tapes and abandoned equipment could be just as frightening as masked slashers and giant monsters. Since then, the genre has adapted through haunted apartments, cursed family homes, bizarre wilderness expeditions, digital call screens, and even documentaries gone wrong. Found footage works because it refuses to pretend. It allows horror to breathe without CGI perfection, without glossy studio glamor, and without the safety net of omniscient storytelling. It is messy, flawed, intimate, and terrifying in a way few formats can mimic. When a new title joins this legacy, it immediately inherits a massive genre expectation. Thankfully, “Jabberjaw” not only accepts the challenge but strides into the eerie forest with confidence and a fresh identity.
A SLOW BURN WITH A SCI-FI TWIST:
“Jabberjaw” is written and directed by Luke Genton, who previously brought us “The Bone Box,” a movie that already proved he understands how to build dread that lingers. His latest project follows Dylan, played with depth, honesty, and emotional vulnerability by Olivia Khoshatefeh, as she escapes into the woods with her best friend Minnie. Minnie is brought to life by Alexis Ingram, whose performance is warm, grounded, and naturally charismatic. Dylan is trying to get space from an abusive boyfriend and believes a camping trip might offer clarity and peace. Both women document their adventure with a video camera, which gives the audience an intimate and unfiltered perspective of their humor, fears, and emotional state. What immediately works is the chemistry between Khoshatefeh and Ingram. They do not just feel like actors paired for convenience, they feel like genuine lifelong friends with shared history, private jokes, and unspoken emotional understanding. Their rapport becomes the emotional anchor of the story and effortlessly pulls the viewer into their world.
As their peaceful escape shifts into panic and paranoia, Dylan begins to believe she is being followed. The tension grows slowly, allowing the story to simmer rather than explode too early. It becomes unclear whether a human threat is lurking in the trees or if something entirely different is stalking them. This ambiguity is handled impressively and never feels confusing or forced. It reminded me of “The Blair Witch Project” in terms of dread, isolation, and immersive fear, but with an added element of science fiction that gives the story an unexpected twist. The alien presence contributes to the tension rather than overshadowing the emotional terror. Genton balances reality and otherworldly fear with precision and never sacrifices character for spectacle. The result is a movie that feels layered rather than gimmicky.
The performances deserve major acknowledgment. Olivia Khoshatefeh carries the emotional weight of her character with authenticity and strength. She makes the horror personal rather than distant and never falls into a predictable or exaggerated performance style. Alexis Ingram shines in her supportive role as Minnie and displays impressive comedic timing while still honoring the seriousness of the story. Both actresses succeed individually, but together they deliver something even more compelling. Their teamwork becomes the soul of the film and elevates it into something emotionally memorable. It is refreshing to see a found footage film led by two talented women whose dynamic drives the plot just as strongly as the external mystery.
“Jabberjaw” is also a slow burn in the best possible way. It does not try to shock from the start or rely on constant jump scares. Instead, it builds an atmosphere that gradually tightens like a rope pulled through the dark. Viewers are given time to connect with the characters, appreciate their humor, and understand why this situation feels so dangerous. The humor fits naturally within the dialogue and never breaks the tension. It feels like the type of humor that emerges when people are trying to stay brave rather than silly, which gives it a relatable emotional texture. The outdoor setting works perfectly for this type of story and becomes a character of its own. Trees, darkness, isolation, and the unknown are inherently threatening, especially when paired with trauma and uncertainty. Genton understands that horror does not always need elaborate settings, it only needs the right direction and purpose.
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The writing deserves particular praise for handling trauma responsibly and thoughtfully. Dylan’s pain is not used as a plot device; it is part of her journey and shapes her fear. The merging of emotional horror and extraterrestrial suspense creates a hybrid experience that feels fresh rather than derivative. The ending delivers a satisfying payoff, which is something many found footage films struggle with. Genton shows that slow burns can reward patience when crafted with intent.
It is exciting to see another female led entry in the found footage sub-genre, especially one that explores friendship, trust, fear, and healing without reducing its characters to stereotypes. “Jabberjaw” confidently proves that emotional horror and science fiction can exist together without weakening one another. It is clever, unsettling, intimate, and memorable, and it deserves a place among the standout modern offerings in the genre.
Courtesy of TERROR FILMS RELEASING
If you are craving something that captures the unsettling authenticity of the amazing elements of found footage horror, while weaving in an extraterrestrial thread and two standout performances, you need to watch “Jabberjaw.” It is currently available on the Found TV app, and it certainly earns its place among the most intriguing new releases from Terror Films Releasing. Stay tuned for more horror reviews from both Terror Films Releasing and Found TV, as they both have an amazing library of horror.
Whether it’s slashers in the woods, ghosts in the attic, or killers in the cornfield, ILHM Reviews brings you the frightful horror flick recommendations worth watching. Follow us on Instagram, be sure to listen to the the "I Love Horror" podcast and remember that if you’re a true fan of horror, every night can be a FRIGHT NIGHT!
