When it comes to low budget films, there are those that follow the Blair Witch type, such as Paranormal Activity – films which really do have a higher budget than some might believe – and there are those films which genuinely are made on next to nothing but passion. The 3rd floor is of this second variety and the good news is that the audience doesn’t suffer for that lack of budget. The film is an official selection of the Fright Night Film Festival, one of the smaller, independent horror film festivals around the world where up and coming filmmakers polish their chops. These festivals serve as the primary training grounds for those who might not otherwise have a chance, other than YouTube, to show off their visions. The directors behind The 3rd Floor, Tom Dolan, Adam Gilliam and Steve Hudgins, all showcase their ability to use the minimum of resources to create a story that’s very watchable. Hudgins especially deserves some kudos for writing a great script that translates well to the screen without needing things from the set, cinematography or acting that might not have been possible.

The story definitely offers some unique things that are not merely overplayed horror clichés. The basics of the tale are that married couple Howard and Sandy are looking for a new apartment. Howard’s brother Buck, a troubled drinker, comes over to let the couple know that his apartment complex has a vacancy – at 4 in the morning. At a more sensible hour, Howard and Sandy follow Buck’s tip to meet with landlady Mrs. Fish to talk about the apartment. On their way, they notice that the third floor is entirely boarded up and not used at all. This is ‘traditional’ according to what the rather creepy Mrs. Fish tells them. Of course, this is a horror tale and we all know, just from the title of the movie alone, that the 3rd floor of this building is vacant for much stranger reasons than mere tradition alone. Before long, the couple begins to hear weird noises from the floor below, the floor that no one is supposed to be living in. We all know Howard is not going to be satisfied with flaky explanations. We all know he’s not going to stop until he gets to the bottom of things, no matter how far down that trail might lead.

It is sound, in fact, that really helps this movie where the too bright blood and potentially first time screen acting might otherwise have it badly lagging. This reviewer feels the need to point out that, from experience having worked on no budget video productions in college, this film may seem as if it’s shoddily made, but in comparison to its competition it displays a level of skill that proves the shortfalls are genuinely budgetary and not effort-related. That is not typical of films such as this one. The sound here is definitely good at creating ambiance and if you’ve watched many low budget or indie horror flicks then you already know that sound is often what ruins a film, not gives it strength.

Though there are a few weaknesses in the acting or in the effect, The 3rd Floor is a stand out for those who love collecting obscure offbeat horror movies on DVD. It’s worth buying because those in this movie, especially Marsha Cash (Mrs. Fish) and Steve Hudgins really should be showing up in more movies very soon. They’ve got a level of talent that needs to be mined further.

In short, visiting The 3rd Floor promises entertainment that’s of a rare level for its category. Make sure you check it out if you like a mysterious horror with a solid story.