A scene from ‘Paranormal Activity’

There are horror films that barely get away with a handful of boo moments; the kind that lasts the mere second jolts hit viewers. But not the kind that lingers to nightmare-inducing points.

“Paranormal Activity” assures both effective seat-jumping jolts and more importantly the series of nightmares in tow. If the film got more to you, then it comes with the it’s-not-good-to-be-home-alone feeling too.

This independent trick of a film by Oren Peli may have implored the “Blair Witch Project” camera style but to compare “Paranormal Activity” with the bandwagon scare that “Blair Witch” was in 1999 is doing “Paranormal” an injustice.

The plot centers on Micah and Katie, a couple “engaged to be engaged” for three years now and who moved in to a new home hoping to rid themselves off certain strange noises. What follows is a series of hair-raising incidents captured on video through a camera the couple set up particularly when they are sound asleep.

What “Paranormal Activity” succeeds with mastery is the terror build-up. From mere door-moving-on-its-own instances to the ominous signs of possible demonic possession to a disturbing climax, it depends on how much you are willing to suspend disbelief and take the case of Micah and Katie as real as you allow it to be.

The unorthodox manner by which the film was promoted also helps what with the TV screens deployed all over cinema areas in Metro Manila featuring the fixed position Micah and Katie got their series of terror doses captioned with the camera time close to the unholy hour around 3 a.m., the people behind the film extended its bid for authenticity to the marketing part of the deal.

It does not matter if Micah and Katie stupidly refused to leave the house, each time the camera is set in that position, the audience is told that something worst is just about to happen. We won’t be surprised if that particular “bed scene” gets a number of spoof runs.

We were skeptic coming in to watch the media screening of the movie recently at SM Megamall set up by Viva International Pictures, the film’s local distributor. But as soon as the build-up sets in we knew why the filmmakers relied on audiences’ reaction for a movie trailer.

“Paranormal Activity” will have its local regular theater run on Wednesday, Dec. 2.