Paranormal Activity

After a young, middle class couple moves into what seems like a typical suburban “starter” tract house, they become increasingly disturbed by a presence that may or may not be somehow demonic but is certainly most active in the middle of the night. Especially when they sleep. Or try to. The presence seems most concerned with Katie, a student who has felt “haunted” her whole life. Her boyfriend, Micah, a day-trader, becomes fixated on learning as much as he can about the phenomenon. Technologically savvy and a lover of toys, Micah spends a few thousand dollars on a high-definition video camera and sets it up at the foot of their bed, creating at once the most intimate of tableaux and an evidentiary medium. The arrival of Micah’s new toy seems to trigger an escalation of paranormal activity, causing Katie to observe that the presence “doesn’t like it.” As tape rolls, Katie becomes increasingly distant while Micah’s fascination grows into obsession. (Paramount Pictures)