Body Cam

Movie Trailer

Release Date
May 19, 2020

Genre
Horror, Thriller, Crime

Cast & Crew

• Mary J. Blige as Officer Renee Lomito-Smith
• Nat Wolff as Officer Danny Holledge
• David Zayas as Captain Jacobs
• Anika Noni Rose as Taneesha Branz
• Demetrius Grosse as Gary
• David Warshofsky as Sergeant Kesper

Director
Malik Vitthal

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Imperial Dreams (2014)

Producers
Matthew Kaplan, Roy Lee, John Graham, Adam Stone

Writer
Richmon Riedel (story), Nicholas McCarthy (screenplay)

Budget
Estimated $12 million

Production Company
Paramount Players, BET Films

Running Time
96 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for violence, bloody images, and language)

Content Advisory

• Graphic violence
• Disturbing imagery
• Language
• Themes of police misconduct

Movie Story
“Body Cam” is a tense horror-thriller that explores themes of police brutality, supernatural revenge, and justice. The film follows Officer Renee Lomito-Smith (Mary J. Blige), a seasoned cop in a Louisiana police department who is grieving the recent loss of her son. When a routine traffic stop turns deadly and the body cam footage mysteriously vanishes, Renee begins to suspect that something far more sinister is at play.

As Renee investigates, she discovers that several of her fellow officers have died under mysterious circumstances, each incident linked to their involvement in the cover-up of an unarmed Black man’s death at the hands of the police. The supernatural force haunting the department seems to be seeking vengeance against those responsible for the man’s death, and it leaves no one involved unscathed.

Partnered with rookie Officer Danny Holledge (Nat Wolff), Renee must confront both the physical and supernatural threats as they try to uncover the truth behind the killings. As the tension builds, Renee is forced to grapple with her own guilt, both as an officer and as a mother, while the vengeful entity grows stronger and more dangerous.

“Body Cam” combines elements of horror, thriller, and social commentary, creating an atmosphere of dread that builds to a climactic confrontation. The film’s exploration of the consequences of police misconduct and the impact of systemic racism adds depth to its supernatural premise, making it a thought-provoking as well as a terrifying experience.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Body Cam” are used effectively to create a sense of unease and to bring the film’s supernatural elements to life. The haunting scenes are enhanced with practical effects and CGI, especially during the violent and eerie sequences where the vengeful entity exacts its retribution. The use of body cam footage and distorted visuals adds to the film’s unsettling atmosphere, immersing the audience in the horror from the perspective of the characters.

Box Office Performance
“Body Cam” was initially planned for a theatrical release but was ultimately released directly to video on demand (VOD) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film garnered attention for its blend of horror and social commentary, particularly for its exploration of timely issues such as police brutality and systemic injustice. While it didn’t have a significant box office impact, “Body Cam” found an audience through streaming platforms.

Filming Locations

• Louisiana, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Sometimes the truth doesn’t want to be buried.” – Officer Renee Lomito-Smith
• “There’s something out there. It’s not just a killer—it’s something worse.” – Officer Danny Holledge

Behind-the-Scenes
“Body Cam” was directed by Malik Vitthal, who sought to combine horror with social relevance, drawing on real-world issues to enhance the film’s narrative impact. Mary J. Blige, known primarily for her music career, delivered a strong performance as Renee, bringing emotional depth to the role. The film’s production took advantage of the atmospheric settings in Louisiana, using the location’s moody and eerie backdrops to heighten the tension.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Body Cam” is a suspenseful and eerie horror-thriller that offers more than just scares. With strong performances, particularly from Mary J. Blige, and a story that intertwines supernatural elements with social commentary, the film provides a thought-provoking experience that resonates with contemporary issues. While the movie may rely on some familiar horror tropes, its exploration of police misconduct and the consequences of systemic racism adds a layer of depth that makes it stand out in the genre. “Body Cam” is worth a watch for fans of horror with a message and those interested in films that tackle real-world issues through a supernatural lens.

IMDb Rating
5.3/10