15 Cameras is the next installment in a franchise that began with Victor Zarcoff’s 13 Cameras in 2015. The sequel was directed by Danny Madden and written by PJ McCabe, who co-starred in the first film. 15 Cameras takes a different approach, focusing on a new antagonist and recapping the events of the previous two films in an interesting way.
Sky (Angela Wong Carbone) and the aptly named Cam (Will Madden) move into a new home. They get a great deal on the property, as it was once the hunting grounds of the Slumlord, who is now presumed dead. When Cam discovers the twisted man’s secret room and hidden cameras still in place, voyeuristic obsession takes over once again.
The story’s shift in focus to Sky and Cam was a welcome change. The story remains grounded and wholly tied to what has come before it, and it feels like a natural progression. Cam is a guy most of us have met: an unsuspecting do-gooder on the outside, a creep who lacks crucial self-awareness on the inside. Will Madden gave his all to the cringe-worthy role.
Actor Neville Archambault played the terrifyingly obsessive landlord in the first two films. Unfortunately, he died in 2022 before the filming began; thus, the character had to be recast. Although the Slumlord part was reduced this time, James Babson did an outstanding job, and fans of the first two films will be doing a double-take when he’s on-screen.
In McCabe’s script, obsessive behavior is at the heart of everything. Sky’s fascination with the Slumlord crimes keeps her glued to the television as true crime shows repeat the grisly crimes. Sky’s sister has moved in with them as she deals with a stalkerish ex. Cam’s discovery of Slumlord’s hidden lair consumes all of his waking thoughts. It all culminates in an over-the-top gory scene that goes far harder than I anticipated.
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15 Cameras makes the usual low-budget horror flubs: amateurish acting and having a bit more ambition than the cast and crew can handle. However, it is far more enjoyable than it should be. This isn’t one to take too seriously; instead, appreciate it for what it is: a (cheesy, at times) popcorn horror film.
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