10 Most Terrifying Jump Scares In Recent Horror Movies

2. Mildred Attacks - Deadstream (2022)

Smile 2022
Shudder

Written and directed by husband-and-wife duo Joeseph and Venessa Winter, Deadstream is devilishly delightful hidden gem of a found-footage film that follows disgraced internet personality Shawn (Joeseph Winter) livestream in a haunted house overnight.

The atmosphere is already appropriately creepy in the rundown building, but things are made infinitely worse when the vlogger accidentally destroys the protective symbol keeping the evil spirit haunting the home at bay.

While there are plenty of genuinely creepy moments to be found in this flick, one of the most effective occurs when Shawn spots the ghost of a Mildred (the home's original owner) on his video feed, hanging by the staircase.

With the ghost blocking his only means of escape, he reluctantly decides to try and get past her. However, since she's only visible in the footage, he must keep checking the feed on his tablet as he inches closer.

Viewers expect something to happen each time he raises the table. However, Mildred remains in the same spot as Shawn approaches. In a clever piece of misdirection, audiences are given an unexpected fright when he lowers the device upon reaching her to reveal the ghost’s face staring straight at him before attacking.

Thankfully, Winter’s brilliant comedic performance alleviates some of the terror that comes from watching this film.

 
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Contributor

Glasgow-based cinephile who earned a Masters degree in film studies to spend their time writing about cinema, video games, and horror.