Title: “[REC] 4: Apocalypse – A Brutal, Blood-Soaked Farewell”

If [REC] (2007) redefined found-footage horror, then [REC] 4: Apocalypse closes the door with a bang—literally. Leaving the handheld camera style behind, this 2014 sequel takes the chaos to the high seas, where journalist Ángela Vidal (played once again by the intense Manuela Velasco) wakes up on a quarantine ship that’s anything but safe.

The shift to a more traditional cinematic style may disappoint purists of the franchise, but it also allows for slicker action sequences, tighter editing, and a more polished horror aesthetic. The sense of dread is still alive and well—claustrophobic corridors, grotesque mutations, and an ever-mounting sense of no escape make sure of that.

Director Jaume Balagueró returns solo this time, dialing up the tension and gore. While the plot can feel thin and a bit derivative, the relentless pacing and inventive kills keep the adrenaline high. It’s not the most thoughtful entry, but it knows what its audience wants: terror, infection, and mayhem.

As a final chapter, [REC] 4 doesn’t reinvent the formula—but it does give it a fiery send-off.

Rating: 7/10 – More action than atmosphere, but a satisfying end to a ferocious franchise.