About Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones

Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones is a supernatural horror film released in 2014. It is the first spin-off from the Paranormal Activity series and directed by Christopher Landon. The film delves into the world of Latino culture in Oxnard, California, as it narrates the eerie story of Jesse (played by Andrew Jacobs).

After the mysterious death of a neighbor known to the local community as a witch, Jesse discovers a Mark on his arm. He starts exhibiting strange behavior, leading his friends to believe he is possessed by a demon, especially after finding connections between Jesse and a strange cult. The film takes on a thrilling journey, balancing terror, suspense, and intense moments while maintaining the found footage-style storytelling of the original Paranormal series.

Making / Production

Directed by Christopher Landon, the movie primarily utilized handheld cameras to create an intimate and realistic found-footage style. Filming primarily took place in Southern California. With a budget of approximately $5 million, the film was a commercial success.

Actors

• Andrew Jacobs as Jesse - Known for his realistic portrayal of Jesse, a young man who becomes a target after a witch dies in his apartment complex.
• Jorge Diaz as Hector - Playing Jesse's loyal and terrified friend, Jorge Diaz brought to life the realistic reactions of one faced with unimaginable horror.
• Gabrielle Walsh as Marisol - Gabrielle Walsh gave a performance that showed strength and persistence in the face of supernatural events.
• Molly Ephraim as Ali Rey - Returning from Paranormal Activity 2, Molly Ephraim provided a chilling link to the broader Paranormal Activity universe.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones is the first movie in the series to leave the suburbs and venture into an urban setting.
• It’s also the first film in the series to feature a mainly Hispanic cast, reflecting cultural aspects of Oxnard, California.
• The film includes connections and references to previous Paranormal Activity films, making it intricately tied to the larger series.

Awards

While Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones wasn't officially recognized by mainstream award shows, it did garner positive feedback from horror fans and was commercially successful.

Quotes

• "This is some black magic stuff." - Hector
• "She's not a witch, she's a bruja!" - Jesse
• "Trust me, you don't want my life." - Oscar

Music, Soundtrack

• Sound Designers and Editors William Files and P.K. Hooker were responsible for the chilling score that helped create the film's suspenseful ambiance.
• Music in the film was kept minimal, mostly utilising creepy and sudden sounds to accent the terror and panic unfolding on screen.
• "The Flu SC.3" by Matthew Margeson is one notable musical piece from the film's limited soundtrack.