Unknown Project (2013) User Reviews

Also titled Unknown Project, released in 2013

[rob-haskins · 8/10 · 7 July 2023]

If you visit the IMDb link for Unknown Project, you'll get a more complete cast list. I don't know what Things Unknown has a 2015 release date while the other is 2013.

It's a pretty good found footage film about three web personalities who go on goofy trips (following a man who visited every pancake house in the US). This time out, they're at Burning Man and afterward take a little detour from their next destination to a desert location where one of the web people camped as a child. Sure enough, they see and experience some pretty strange and horrifying things. The formula is very familiar, but the characters are very likable and the effects very good. Also the sound design. I rented it for $2 on Amazon (twice, because I forgot to finish it the first time before the 48 hours ran out, and I'm glad I finished it.

A riveting found footage thriller

[pandisoo · 10/10 · 12 November 2014]

For those of us who can't get enough of the found footage genre, "Unknown Project" is a masterful entry. It takes a new spin on some of the common elements of the genre (familiar to fans of "Paranormal Activity" and the like) and brings a sci-fi angle to the chills and thrills. It is spooky and suspenseful but it delivers on the scares that will get you jumping in your seat early on, and throughout the movie until the climax. It's also so filled with clues and Easter eggs that you can't get them all in the first time you see it, requiring multiple viewings. With strong, natural interactions between the three main characters, "Unknown Project" draws you in and takes you on a road trip you'll never forget. I can't wait to watch this movie again!

The Sound of Terror

[markschmeling-876-441603 · 10/10 · 4 December 2014]

A hip and jocular road allegory turns into a provocative Sci-Fi encounter on an arid plain between Mother Earth and the great space above, in Steve Altman's latest film, "Unknown Project."

A trio of videophiles are on their way back from documenting the Burning Man celebration, in their RV supped up with laptops and 5 cameras running inside 24/7, when they stop for the night. They are brimming with the juice of youth who are wired for their time. We learn just enough about each one so that we can play that great game of "who is the strongest character," and "who do we dislike most intensely." Characterization aside, ultimately it is the silence in this work that commands our attention. Silence that is cold and eerie, and which is nearly photogenic, and used to great effect by Director Altman, who has a command for depicting quiet dread.

The "found footage" genre has a new and welcomed discovery, "Unknown Project."

Cool find on Tubi.

[trvdeadu · 8/10 · 20 August 2023]

Well made movie with some nice ideas spread though-out. Several times I had "oh cool, new thing" moments and found myself genuinely surprised once or twice. Cast was great and quite likeable for the most part (rare for found footage) and I actually cared about what was happening to them though I did wish the PBR Neil was drinking had got him to chill bit. The guy was pretty full on for the first two acts.

The whole thing has a pleasant disorientating feel to it that really helped with the mood and as with most good found footage, you find yourself straining to see more but are still left satisfied with what you do see.

Mining Tubi for good found footage movies can be a torturous task sometimes but this one, this one is back on the list for a rewatch.

Not Bad!

[writingunicorn · 8/10 · 3 August 2023]

I found this movie under the title "Things Unknown" on Tubi.

I know everyone wants something different in the horror/SciFi movie world, but all in all this was a pretty decent movie. The mindless banter in the first half just set the atmosphere for the rest of the movie: paranoia, friendly albeit aggressive exchanges, all set up a friendly camaraderie between the characters. I myself enjoyed the "cheap" special effects along with the moving shadows and camera angles. Sometimes you don't need to see EVERYTHING in 3D. Often it's the shadows and angles that spook you the most.

A fun watch! Go for it!