Watch Jeruzalem

Jeruzalem is a 2015 horror film that takes the found-footage genre to a new level. The movie was directed by Yoav Paz and Doron Paz and stars Yael Grobglas, Yon Tumarkin, and Danielle Jadelyn. The film is set in Jerusalem, where a group of young tourists, Sarah (played by Danielle), Rachel (played by Yael), and Kevin (played by Yon), go on a trip to explore the city's culture, history, and nightlife.

The movie follows the three American tourists on their journey. They meet and quickly befriend an anthropology student, Omar, who helps them get acclimated to the city. The group is loaded with cameras and recording equipment, and as they traverse the ancient streets of Jerusalem, they film their experiences with the city's architecture, sites and sounds.

As night falls, they head to a rave, but while they are there, something strange begins to happen, and they witness an unexpected phenomenon. The film takes an interesting turn from there, and the camera of one of the tourists becomes a vital element in the story.

Jeruzalem uses the traditional found-footage format to showcase the city's magic, but the film's creators elevate the style by incorporating augmented reality - a technology unfamiliar to the protagonists, and audiences alike. As the story unfolds, the film blends the tourist's recorded footage with shots from the augmented reality camera, creating a uniquely engaging movie.

One of the most striking aspects of Jeruzalem is the careful attention to detail that the directors put into the production. They spend a significant portion of the initial scenes introducing the audience to the city, and even those who have been to Jerusalem will find themselves impressed by the film's representation of the city. The film is shot almost exclusively in real locations, and the footage genuinely creates the illusion of being there.

Another noteworthy element of the movie is the use of sound. From the busy streets of the city to the eerie ambient sounds that follow the tourists on their journey, the sound in Jeruzalem enhances the storytelling significantly. The lively party scene and the silent spaces are well-balanced, which makes the places they travel through that much more immersive.

The movie has a solid cast, and the leads' performances are effective. Yael Grobglas, especially, stands out; her nuanced portrayal of Rachel, a young woman dealing with grief, elevates the film's emotional resonance. Danielle Jadelyn and Yon Tumarkin complement her performance with their natural portrayals of Sarah and Kevin.

Jeruzalem does have some notable flaws, however. The story is predictable at times, and some of the scenes' emotional beats feel hollow. It's hard to shake the feeling that the movie could have benefited from a more complex storyline or character development.

Despite these shortcomings, the film remains an enjoyable experience. The special effects are well-executed, and the blend of found-footage with augmented reality creates a unique viewing experience. Jeruzalem is a film that balances the scary and the fantastical well, and the result is a creepy, entertaining exploration of Jerusalem.

In conclusion, Jeruzalem is a distinctive take on found-footage horror that manages to make the most of its unique blend of technology and storytelling. The film's setting combines with the production values to make for an immersive and exciting watch. The characters are relatable, and the scares are well-timed. The movie is not perfect, but it's worth checking out regardless. It brings a fresh new style to the horror genre, and the result is a compelling, well-crafted movie.

Jeruzalem is a 2016 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8 and a MetaScore of 45.