‘Strange Harvest’ Review – Mockumentary Captures Real-Life Horror And True Crime Obsession

The serial killer taunting the cops is a standard plot device in horror and thriller movies. When done well, it holds a hypnotic and provoking effect. When done poorly, it becomes a stale cliche. Given its prevalence in film, it makes it difficult to find a compelling hook. Well, enter the movie Strange Harvest. In a mockumentary that seriously spoofs true crime documentaries, we follow a pair of detectives as they depict their investigation into a serial killer stalking the Inland Empire of Southern California. But for the fact that this is a mockumentary, for the uninitiated, this could easily pass as any number of gripping actual crime docs. Deeply unsettling and grounded in realism, Strange Harvest is a fake documentary done right.

Accordingly, the names John Wayne Gacy, Ted Bundy, and Jeffrey Dahmer are synonymous with high-profile serial killers. The public fascination fuels the endless wheel-turning of true crime documentary exposés and tell-alls. Even fictional ones (hello, Hannibal Lecter) hold our attention. Which is why if you’re going to craft a pseudo-documentary about a serial killer, you’ve got to make him as compelling and authentic as either the real McCoys or the fictional creations. Enter the conversation: Mr. Shiny.

Above all, Mr. Shiny is a horrifying creation, complete with an uncanny mask. Drawing inspiration from Richard Ramirez, Zodiac, and The BTK, Mr. Shiny feels plausible, which makes him terrifying. Utilizing the true crime as a framing, we enter a raw and quasi-authentic accounting of tracking a killer. We have seen countless accounts of these in real life on TV. Here, the elements come together to create a dark and tantalizing stew that leaves any true crime buff wanting more.

Again, the documentary is fake, but the crew behind this project is more than invested in simply paying lip service to ‘fake fiction’. The accounting here goes far beyond any found footage story. The actors bring an authenticity that buyers can relate to, making the entire premise relatable. As a result, everything happening seems plausible, as though we are discovering unknown history for the first time.  

The film establishes the return of the elusive serial killer. Sadistic to the core, his return sets off a new wave of grotesque, otherworldly crimes tied to a dark cosmic force. The mockumentary straddles the lines between reality and fantasy. It gives us an experience that feels ripped from the pages of real-world headlines. In the film, we follow two detectives, Joe Kirby (Peter Zizzo) and Alexis Taylor (Terri Apple), as they sit for interviews, recounting their involvement in the “Mr. Shiny” serial killer case.

Consequently, director Stuart Ortiz utilizes the true crime format to significant effect. Unlike a straightforward horror or thriller, the immersion feels right out of a documentary or even a true crime podcast. Even though this is a fictional story all around, the attention to detail is as gripping and authentic as any true crime documentary. The movie weaves interviews and video footage to craft a riveting exposé.

As a result, we are left white-knuckling as the story takes on the ‘behind-the-scenes’ account of police working against the clock to catch the elusive Mr. Shiny. Even within the confines of a documentary and interview setting, the movie never lets off the gas and hauls us into a pit of absolute darkness.

As a straightforward mockumentary following a serial killer investigation, this film is a home run. Zizzo and Apple are believable as real-world detectives. The situation infuses elements of the Zodiac and Manson killings to give it an edge. The inclusion of footage and realism makes Strange Harvest striking. All these elements make for a gripping viewing experience. However, what makes his story rise above its pseudo-realism is the inclusion of the occult.  

Fortunately, this additional element does not disrupt the realistic tone. If anything, the supernatural element is a bonus. As we have seen in early life, cases such as the Manson Murders or even the Night Stalker case, aspects of the occult run parallel with these serial killer cases. The inclusion here serves that fact, while also giving a wink and nod to horror fans that there may be something else going on behind the proverbial curtain.

Strange Harvest is a bountiful feast of horror that mixes mockumentary elements with suspense and realism. We are left on the edge of our seats throughout, and at the end, wanting to dive back into the world the crew has created. As far as fake documentaries go, this is a win. Even without this framing device, the story itself is creepy. Together, it becomes a fresh take on the serial killer subgenre with a clever twist.

Strange Harvest will debut in theaters on August 8, 2025, courtesy of Saban Films and Roadside Attractions.