Aaron B. Koontz was inspired to write Camera Obscura after one of his co-workers had visited
South America and the locals did not allow him to take pictures as "it would steal their souls".[2] Koontz also cited a true story of a man with
PTSD who attacked people on a freeway.[2] While writing the film, Koontz looked towards Final Destination for inspiration, including
Jeffrey Reddick's original draft.[3]
While producing the film Starry Eyes, Koontz met actor
Noah Segan, and the two began collaborating on the film. Impressed with their performances in Lovely Molly and John Dies at the End respectively, the director met with and cast Gretchen Lodge and
Chase Williamson in 2013.
Barbara Crampton had signed onto the film at one point, but dropped out due to her availability changing.[4][5]
Camera Obscura debuted at the
Florida Film Festival on April 22, 2017.[8] Prior to the film's premiere,
Chiller Films acquired the rights to the film in April 2017.[9] The film was released domestically on June 9, 2017 and on
VOD on June 13, 2017.[10]
Home media
The film was distributed on Blu-ray and DVD by Uncork'd Entertainment on November 9, 2017.[11][12]
Reception
On
review aggregatorRotten Tomatoes, Camera Obscura holds an approval rating of 30% based on 20 reviews, with an average rating of 4.70/10.[13] On
Metacritic, the film holds an average rating of 35 out of 100 from 8 reviews, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".[14]
Dennis Harvey of Variety said the film was "definitely a cut above in genre terms, with room for some nicely drawn character writing and acting", singling out the performance of Curtin and Segan in particular.[15] For Dread Central, Staci Layne Wilson wrote "there are enough moments of suspense and mystery to make it worth your while."[16]
Writing for The Hollywood Reporter,
Frank Scheck wrote "despite Denham’s impressively committed performance in the central role, Camera Obscura never achieves the proper focus."[17] Michael Nordine of IndieWire said "nothing that’s made its way onscreen will unnerve you the way Jack’s photos unnerve him."[18]Slant Magazine's Henry Stewart said the film goes "through the genre motions in the dullest way possible."[19]
Future
In an interview with PopHorror, director Aaron B. Koontz expressed an interest in a prequel film following Andrew Senseng's character. Koontz also claimed there was a "sound" idea for a sequel, however he'd prefer to let someone else direct it, if it were to be made.[20]
^Wilson, Staci (May 31, 2017).
"Camera Obscura (2017)". Dread Central.
Archived from the original on August 24, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
^Scheck, Frank (June 14, 2017).
"Camera Obscura: Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter.
Archived from the original on August 24, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2021.