Man Finds Tape may not completely land the ending, but it still does a good job of hooking viewers early on with the mystery centering around residents of Larkin, Texas.
Directors: Paul Gandersman & Peter S. Hall
Genres: Horror, Found Footage, Mystery, Thriller
Run Time: 84′
Tribeca Screening: June 8, 2025
U.S. Release Date: TBA
U.K. Release Date: TBA
In Paul Gandersman and Peter Hall’s directorial feature debut, Man Finds Tape, strange things are happening in the town of Larkin, Texas. The found footage/documentary-style film centers around a successful YouTuber named Lucas (William Magnuson), who has made quite a name for himself on the World Wide Web. He gained recognition through his channel, “Man Finds Tape,” where he shared eerie home video footage that he found in his parents’ barn, labeled with his name.
On said tape, we see Lucas as a kid, sleeping in his bed, while a creepy man comes into his room. But who is this man, and who was filming this video? Is this figure a real person, or is there a paranormal element at play? Early on in the story, we learn that both of Lucas’ parents passed away a few years prior, and the details surrounding their case remain up in the air. Of course, this fuels rumors, with some people online even wondering if Lucas might be responsible for their murders. The fact that his parents have died adds lure to the mystery, making the footage Lucas found even more unsettling. Things take an even more sinister turn when the YouTuber finds a video that shows someone being murdered in his town. To get to the bottom of what happened, he asks his sister Lynn (Kelsey Pribilski) to help him find the culprit behind the crime.
Man Finds Tape lays a strong foundation as it introduces us to Lucas and his corner of the Internet. True crime is a genre that continues to fascinate many people, with numerous podcasts, YouTube channels, and books dedicated to it. The film masterfully depicts the extent to which people obsess over supernatural phenomena, unsolved murder cases, and mysteries, as well as the conspiracy theories that can arise during the process. The movie also effectively captures the skepticism that exists online surrounding these topics, with many people questioning whether the producers of such videos fabricated content in order to gain clicks.
As someone who loves found footage films, the first hour of Man Finds Tape had me hooked. The movie builds suspense as we meet various townsfolk who are deeply entangled in Larkin’s mysteries. As they’re introduced, we wonder who can be trusted. Something else that will keep viewers invested in the story is the ongoing doubt you’ll have about whether or not Lucas has stretched the truth to gain attention. That said, something unusual is happening in Larkin, and you’ll be itching to know what that phenomenon is.
Gandersman and Hall utilize the film’s setting exceptionally well to capture the small-town vibes found in many communities across the state. In Man Finds Tape, Larkin is home to a well-to-do minister whom many locals admire, and the area also features a BBQ restaurant run by a bubbly manager, which is pretty much a staple for any small town located in the Lone Star State. There is also some impressive and haunting imagery during the film’s climax that made me tense up in my seat.
Although Man Finds Tape has a promising setup, what holds it back is the reveal of the mystery and the reasoning behind it. I don’t want to spoil the surprise for anyone who may get a chance to see the movie at some point in the future, but what I will say is that the story’s conclusion didn’t quite live up to the expectations I had after such a solid buildup. The story’s resolution also feels rushed, wrapping up all too abruptly without allowing the viewer to absorb the impact fully.
Despite Man Finds Tape not completely working for me, it’s still an impressive debut from Gandersman and Hall, with strengths within the story. Although the press notes describe the pair as rookie directors, this found footage/documentary-style film shows considerable promise for their future.
Man Finds Tape: Movie Plot & Recap
Synopsis:
A couple of years after the death of his parents, Lucas finds a mysterious tape in their barn. He shares the eerie footage online, turning him into a successful YouTuber, though many question whether the story is an elaborate lie to gain clout. After he witnesses a video of someone being murdered in town, he asks his sister Lynn to help him find the perpetrator behind the crime.
Pros:
- The directors do a fantastic job of hooking viewers from the start and luring them into the story’s mystery.
- The small-town setting really captures the vibes of a small community in Texas.
- It does a good job of reflecting how consumed and invested people can become in true crime and paranormal mysteries.
Cons:
- The ending didn’t land for me. It felt too hurried, and I didn’t find the reveal to be all that satisfying.
Man Finds Tape had its World Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 8, 2025 and will be screened again on June 9-11.
