Watch Spookers

Spookers, a 2017 documentary film directed by Florian Habicht, takes us on a thrilling journey inside the most haunted and terrifying theme park in New Zealand. The film explores the everyday lives and emotional states of the actors who work at Spookers while also highlighting the history and cultural significance of the famous haunt.

The film begins with a detailed history of the land, which formerly served as a psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane. After closing in the early 2000s, the abandoned hospital was transformed into a horror attraction aptly named Spookers, which has since drawn thousands of brave visitors seeking an adrenaline rush.

As we explore the grounds, we meet a diverse cast of colorful characters who have made the spook house their second home. The performers share their personal journeys and reasons for joining Spookers, offering glimpses into their everyday lives outside of work. We hear from makeup artists, cleaners, and managers, all of whom share a common bond, a love for the bizarre and a passion for scaring people.

Throughout the film, we witness the actors preparing for opening night, going through dress rehearsal, and executing their terrifying zombie and ghoul performances. We learn about the enormous amount of work and dedication that goes into crafting the perfect scare experience for each visitor. The makeup artists discuss their techniques for creating realistic wounds and bruises, and the performers discuss their acting methods and how they evoke fear in their audience.

As the film progresses, we delve deeper into the psyche of the actors, exploring the emotional toll that comes with working in this strange and twisted world. We witness the stress of putting on performances every night, the isolation of working late hours, and the pressures of dealing with visitors who are sometimes disrespectful or overly aggressive. It is clear from the candid interviews that the Spookers experience involves much more than just dressing up and scaring people; it is a complex and challenging job that requires a strong sense of self-awareness and personal resilience.

The film does an excellent job of portraying the personal struggles of the actors in a powerful and inspiring way. We hear from performers who have faced severe mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, who have found solace and support within the Spookers community. The film highlights the transformative power of community and the importance of finding your place in the world.

Alongside the personal stories of the actors, we are treated to stunning footage of the park and its many attractions. The camera lingers on the decaying ruins of the old asylum, offering eerie glimpses of its dark past. The horror maze is a feast for the eyes, filled with jump scares, immersive soundtracks, and terrifying lighting effects. The film is accompanied by a haunting soundtrack that perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of the park.

Overall, Spookers is a fascinating and entertaining look at the world of horror attractions and the people who make them come alive. It offers a unique perspective on mental health and the importance of community. It also provides an insight into the complex process of creating a truly terrifying experience that will leave visitors with nightmares for weeks to come. This is a film not just for horror fans, but for anyone interested in the human experience and the power of personal transformation.

Spookers is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.