Buzz
Lights, camera, action—a movie filmed in just one take! There's an undeniable charm in experiencing a story unfold in real-time, uninterrupted. These films, ranging from intricate tracking shots to more personal, focused perspectives, showcase the exceptional talent of directors and cinematographers alike.
Here, we’ll dive into 10 films that were filmed in one seamless take, each offering a one-of-a-kind cinematic journey.
10. Let’s Scare Julie (2019)
Let’s Scare Julie is a spine-chilling horror flick that will keep you at the edge of your seat—and perhaps hiding behind a cushion. The plot centers around a group of teenage girls who plot to frighten their reclusive new neighbor, Julie, on Halloween night. The twist? Julie is notorious for staying inside her home, rarely venturing out.
As the evening unfolds, things take a terrifying turn. The girls soon realize that Julie may not be the easy target they believed, and they’ve found themselves in deeper waters than they bargained for. Filmed in one continuous shot, this technique only heightens the tension and suspense.
While Let’s Scare Julie might not redefine the horror genre, it certainly delivers in moments of fright. The film excels at creating suspense and keeping you on the edge of your seat. Moreover, the one-shot approach stands out, lending a unique flavor to the film.
9. Rendez-vous (2019)
Rendez-vous is an intense Mexican thriller captured in a single take. The plot follows Lili and Eduardo, two strangers who connect online. Their first date in Mexico City takes an unexpected turn when Eduardo arrives late and without his phone, after a mugging. He still manages to win Lili over, but when she finds his phone hidden in his jacket, the night takes a sinister and surprising twist.
As the evening continues, Lili and Eduardo are plunged into a nerve-wracking race to uncover the secrets behind the phone’s contents and the disturbing circumstances of Eduardo’s delay. They quickly find themselves tangled in a web of lies, violence, and betrayal.
The one-shot filming technique amplifies the tension and urgency, immersing viewers in the events as if they’re unfolding in real time. The use of harsh urban settings combined with a chilling score creates an undeniable atmosphere of dread that permeates the entire film.
8. Utøya: July 22 (2018)
The film centers around 18-year-old Kaja as she fights for survival while searching for her younger sister. Amid the chaos of gunshots and screams, Kaja must make her way across the island, evading the shooter’s path.
Despite the somber and heavy themes, the film captures the raw emotion and terror of the experience. And if you’re a fan of extended takes, this film is sure to impress!
7. A Boy. A Girl. A Dream (2018)
A Boy. A Girl. A Dream revolves around a life-changing night for two strangers. Cass (played by Omari Hardwick) and Frida (played by Meagan Good) cross paths in a Los Angeles club during the tumultuous 2016 presidential election. Filmed in a single take, the movie captures the vibrant energy of the club and the developing chemistry between Cass and Frida.
As they move through the energetic atmosphere of the club, Cass and Frida open up to one another, sharing their dreams, fears, insecurities, and everything in between. As the night deepens and tensions rise, the two must face the truths of their past and present and decide whether they are ready to take a chance on a future together.
With an engaging cast, breathtaking cinematography, and a compelling story, A Boy. A Girl. A Dream. offers a thrilling and unforgettable journey. And if you’re aiming to impress your cinephile friends, this film is a surefire hit.
6. Fourplay (2018)
Fourplay is a romantic comedy filmed in one continuous shot, telling the story of a group of four friends navigating the highs and lows of relationships in Los Angeles. As the camera moves with the characters throughout the city, the film offers a candid and funny depiction of the modern dating experience.
The story begins at a bar where a group of friends gather to talk about their dating experiences and the challenges of finding the right partner. Each character brings their own quirks and personalities to the conversation, leading to a series of amusing moments. One character, an aspiring actor, strikes up a conversation with an attractive woman at the bar, and they instantly connect. They agree to go on a date, and the camera follows them through the city, capturing their witty and sincere conversations.
Meanwhile, the other friends are dealing with their own romantic struggles. One is trying to rekindle a relationship with his ex, while another is exploring the world of online dating. The camera tracks each of their journeys, showcasing both their romantic successes and failures along the way.
Invasion (2017) is a thrilling mystery that plays out like a puzzle—complex but exciting. A body is discovered in a stadium during a sporting event, the details of which remain undisclosed. The police quickly suspect the coach and his team of tattooed players, demanding that they reconstruct the events leading up to the murder.
Prepare for a thrilling and confusing ride as Invasion unfolds. A body is found at a sports venue, and the police immediately focus on the coach and his tattooed team, instructing them to recount the day's events in hopes of uncovering the truth behind the mysterious death.
As the investigation deepens, it becomes increasingly apparent that several members of the team are far from innocent, with some plotting additional murders. The situation is further complicated when the victim’s twin sister arrives, taking an active part in the inquiry and uncovering disturbing secrets along the way.
Director Shahram Mokri employs an unconventional style for this film, telling the story in a single shot that gives it a stage-play feel. The disorienting atmosphere is amplified by the misty corridors of the stadium, creating an unsettling sense of confusion. The film is layered with symbolic references to themes such as the cycle of life and identity, which may leave viewers pondering deeply (Zoroastrianism, perhaps?). Despite the complex narrative, the plot remains captivating, filled with twists that will keep you on your toes.
4. The Wedding Party (2016)
Prepare for an unforgettable wedding reception with The Wedding Party. This indie gem is a heartfelt project that promises a distinct and hilarious ride, ensuring you're on the edge of your seat the whole time.
The plot revolves around a group of former high school friends who reconnect at a wedding reception. What was meant to be a joyous occasion soon devolves into a whirlwind of chaos, as every imaginable disaster occurs. Adding a unique twist, the entire film unfolds in one continuous shot, in real-time.
Under the direction of Thane Economou, a skilled filmmaker with experience at National Lampoon, Lucas Film, and 20th Century Fox, this film guarantees a top-notch production that will keep you laughing. The characters are rich and well-crafted, each showcasing their unique traits and quirks that set them apart. The one-shot filming technique adds an extra layer of suspense and excitement, making it impossible to predict what will happen next.
If you're in search of something fresh and exciting in the indie film world, The Wedding Party is your go-to choice.
3. Sirens and Screams (2019)
Brace yourself for a chaotic journey through a post-apocalyptic city steeped in tragedy and decay. Sirens and Screams is a one-shot film that tracks a group of impoverished city dwellers on their quest to locate the body of a murdered wealthy citizen. Even more intriguing? This motley crew of outcasts isn't exactly law-abiding.
Filmed in a single, continuous 78-minute take, this movie will have you at the edge of your seat, as thrilling as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Follow our band of unlikely heroes as they navigate the city's dangerous terrain, encountering all sorts of unsavory characters. With more plot twists than a rollercoaster, Sirens and Screams will keep you guessing until the very last moment. So strap in, grab some popcorn, and prepare for a heart-pounding ride that will leave you breathless!
2. Fish & Cat (2013)
Fish & Cat is a one-shot film that takes you on a twisted journey through time. A group of students travels to a secluded area to showcase their kite-flying skills, only to encounter a lakeside restaurant run by suspicious chefs who may not have the students' best interests at heart.
As the night progresses, strange events unfold, trapping the students in a web of confusion they cannot escape. The loops of time seem to be tightening around them, leaving them wondering if there's any way to break free from the bizarre situation.
The film immerses you in suspense, gradually increasing the tension as the students struggle to understand the inexplicable events unfolding around them. It’s a survival story, showing the extremes to which people will go when faced with dire circumstances.
1. Victoria (2015)
Victoria is a gripping heist thriller that follows a young Spanish woman named Victoria, who unexpectedly finds herself caught up in a bank robbery in Berlin. The film is shot in a single, continuous take, creating an exhilarating and immersive experience as Victoria is pulled into the daring heist by a group of strangers she meets outside a nightclub.
The decision to film in real time amplifies the movie’s tension and danger, making for a thrilling journey through the streets of Berlin. The movie also includes moments of humor that offer a brief, welcome break from the fast-paced action.
Laia Costa gives an extraordinary performance as Victoria, bringing depth and authenticity to the role, which allows the audience to truly invest in her character. The chemistry between the actors is undeniable, enhancing the camaraderie and tension that makes the heist feel all the more realistic.
