Afflicted is a 2013 Canadian vampire horror film written by, directed by, and starring Derek Lee and Clif Prowse in their feature film debut. Using the found footage style, the film follows two friends who document their year-long trip around the world until one of them is afflicted with a mysterious condition.
The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2013. The film gained praise for being a fresh take on a vampire story although it was criticized for having many found footage clichés. On April 4, 2014, the film would receive a theatrical and VOD release in the US and Canada where it would gross $121,200.
Plot[]
Derek and Clif, two childhood friends decide to take a year-long trip around the world as it is one of Derek's greatest wishes as he struggles with an AVM. Clif, a filmmaker sees a great opportunity and decides to document this adventure in a web series titled "Ends of the Earth".
The first stop on this journey is in Barcelona to meet up with their old friends, Edo and Zach who are currently on tour with their band, Unalaska. While at a show, Derek picks up a girl named Audrey after telling her about his AVM. Later in the night Clif, Edo, and Zach bust into Derek's hotel room as a prank only to discover him bleeding and unconscious with no sign of Audrey. Derek remembers nothing of the attack yet all 4 agree that it was likely a failed robbery attempt from Audrey. Clif and Derek then part ways with Edo and Zach.
Once he arrives in Italy, Derek spends a full day sleeping. When Clif finally gets him to a restaurant, Derek projectile vomits his meal on the floor. While touring at a vineyard, Derek experiences intense burns in the sunlight. Returning to the hotel, Clif attempts to calm down Derek but it ends when Derek punches through a solid rock wall.
Derek displays his newly found superhuman abilities in strength, agility, and speed over the next few days. Clif begs for Derek to call off the trip or at least go to a hospital. After some resistance, Derek obliges.
While walking to the hospital, Derek and Clif nearly get hit by a car. Derek effortlessly overpowers the driver and passenger. He can be seen licking their blood off his hands, a clear sign of vampirism.
Clif and Derek attempt to get animal blood to support Derek's needs but neither attempts work. Derek and Clif try to rob a blood bank and ambulance for blood but the plan falls through when Clif crashes the ambulance and they are forced into hiding. When Derek enters a catatonic state, Clif attempts to offer him some of his own blood but Derek is missing.
After some searching, Clif finds Derek only for Derek to have lost all humanity and subsequently kill him. After discovering he has killed his friend, Derek attempts to commit suicide with a shotgun but heals soon afterwards. Interpol agents arrive to arrest Derek and he is forced to escape into the sunlight leaving everything behind but the cameras.
Once he escapes to France, Derek hides in Paris and scans the footage searching for clues that would lead to Audrey's whereabouts. He discovers that Audrey's cellphone could be back at the hotel where she infected him. He retrieves the phone and texts every contact he can until someone responds. When a man agrees to meet him in person, Derek follows him back to his apartment.
In the apartment, Derek finds a bloodstained saw and several photos. The man tries to fight Derek but he is easily defeated. The man is Maurice, an acquaintance of Audrey who wishes he was turned into a vampire as well. Derek sets up a live stream of a tied up Maurice in an attempt to lure in Audrey. Maurice warns Derek to leave as GIGN busts in. Derek is nearly killed before easily slaughtering the officers and escaping.
Audrey meets Derek in the abandoned building and attacks him and tells him to never come near her or Maurice. She then tells him that he is not properly feeding and there is no cure. Derek and Audrey fight and Audrey easily wins the tussle. Audrey tells Derek that he needs to feed every 5 days or else the vampirism will worsen. She reveals to Derek that he was chosen because she pitied him for his AVM.
Derek post his final entry stating that he will never be able to contact his family again. Later, Derek films himself taunting a man who is in possession of child pornography before killing him.
A mid-credits seen show three teenagers getting attacked by a now infected Clif while attempting to sneak into a pool.
List of Deaths[]
| Name | Cause of Death | Killer | On Screen | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clif Prowse | Attacked by Derek | Derek | Yes | Resurrected Later |
| Derek Lee | Suicide via Shotgun | Himself | Yes | Resurrected Later |
| GIGN Officers | Attacked by Derek | Derek | Yes | |
| Pedophile | Attacked by Derek | Derek | No | |
| Teenagers | Attacked by Clif | Clif | No |
Cast[]
- Derek Lee as Derek Lee
- Clif Prowse as Clif Prowse
- Michael Gill as Michael Gill
- Baya Rehaz as Audrey
- Benjamin Zeitoun as Maurice
- Zach Gray as Zachary Gray
- Jason Lee as Jason Lee
- Edo Van Breemen as Edo Van Breeman
- Gary Redekop as Dr. Redekop
- Lily Py Lee as Derek's Mom
- Ellen Ferguson as Club Girl
- Chiara Caggiati as Waitress
- Domenico Di Michele as Restaurant Guest
- Susie Barrow as Restaurant Guest
- Lise Bertram as Restaurant Guest
- Agostino Roncallo as Restaurant Guest
- Bartolo Lecari as Vintner
- Lucia De Pace as Paramedic
- Andrew Ferguson as Ambulance Victim
- Paolo Basso as Inspector Barbiero
- Greg Ng as Disgruntled Tourist
- Julie Basso as Restaurant Guest
- Patrick Effiboley as Hotel Clerk
- Graham Fortin as French Police Officer
- Brian Kavanaugh-Jones as French Police Officer
- Jesse Savath as French Police Officer
- Ernek Reder as French Police Officer
- Stéphane Julien as Cop on Roof
- Hjortur Helgason as French Tactical Officer
- Zack Mosley as French Tactical Officer
- Asterios Moutsokapas as French Tactical Officer
- Adrian Buitenhuis as French Tactical Officer
- Jeremy Muir as French Tactical Officer
- Alexander Ferguson as Pedophile
- Ian Hanlin as Jeff
- Doreen Gordon as Chiara
- Camilla De Cesare as Dina
- Jen Guiterrez as Jen Guiterrez
- Ulysse de Gregorio as Junkie
- Tasya Teles as Maria
- Sharlene Royer as Receptionist
- Mike Chochand as Beast Double
Production[]
- This is the first and currently only feature film by Derek Lee and Clif Prowse
- The film was initially intended to be a web series
Release[]
- The film gained a theatrical and VOD release on April 4, 2014
Reception[]
The film has won 5 awards.
- Best Canadian First Feature Film - Special Jury Citation at the Toronto International Film Festival
- Maria Award for Best Special Effects at the Sitges - Catalan International Film Festival
- Best Director - Horror Features at the Austin Fantastic Fest
- Best Picture - Horror Features at the Austin Fantastic Fest
- Best Screenplay - Horror Features at the Austin Fantastic Fest
