Photo credits: Warner Bros.
Writer/producer Oren Peli branches out from his Paranormal Activity films to explore the what ifs of the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster that occurred in 1986, with Chernobyl Diaries. The film centers around a group of young adults who are traveling through Europe before heading to Moscow, where Chris (Jesse McCartney) plans to propose to his lady love, Natalie (Olivia Taylor Dudley). While in Kiev, Chris visits his brother, Paul (Jonathan Sadowski), who suggests that they experience extreme tourism by visiting the town of Prypiat, the site of the ill-fated Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Chris and Natalie, along with their friend Amanda (Devin Kelley) agree to go with Paul, who has hired a tour guide, Uri (Dimitri Diatchenko) to escort them there. Before they leave, the group meets up with two backpackers, Zoe (Ingrid Bolso Berdal) and Michael (Nathan Phillips), who are interested in joining them and the group enthusiastically agrees.
The excitement within the group is palpable, but when they approach the Chernobyl Exclusion Checkpoint near Prypiat, they are turned away by authorities. However, Uri knows a back way into Prypiat and proceeds to drive through the desolate surroundings, which does not seem to deter the adventurous group. They soon arrive at the area that used to serve as home to the Chernobyl employees and their families. After a tour of one of the buildings, Uri notices a smoldering fire on the floor, but brushes it aside so no one else can see it. This is an allegedly deserted location after all. Before the team leaves they are frightened by a natural predator, but everyone is safe and accounted for. As darkness looms, they decide to leave, but the van will not start because wires in the engine have been chewed up, perhaps by the wild dog population. After unsuccessfully radioing for help, they decide to stay in the van and wait until morning. However, natural threats from wild animals and other more malevolent threats begin to appear, exposing the group to unspeakable horrors.
The first half of Chernobyl Diaries is effective and chilling, considering the area around Chernobyl was restricted for many years and has since been shut down again. What could be occurring in and around the disaster site that has officials on guard some 25 plus years later? The combination of natural threats and supernatural elements is creative, but provides more questions than answers as the second half of the film moves along. The majority of the cast members are serviceable in their roles as the seemingly doomed group is faced with one unfortunate event after another. There was not enough development to really endear the characters to viewers, but this is a horror movie after all, with many "redshirts" who will not last until the end of the film anyway. That is not a spoiler, just common sense. Overall, Chernobyl Diaries starts off strong and manages to build suspense, but when the body count starts to rise, the plot begins to meander around and never fully addresses exactly what is really going on. Perhaps a sequel might help to fill in the blanks.
Chernobyl Diaries available on Blu-ray Combo pack, DVD and for download 10/16.
“Chernobyl Diaries” Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following special features:
· Alternate Ending
· Uri’s Extreme Tours Infomercial
· Chernobyl Conspiracy Viral Video
· Deleted Scene
“Chernobyl Diaries” Standard Definition DVD contains the following special features:
· Chernobyl Conspiracy Viral Video
· Deleted Scene
Watch a clip below
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