Skip to main content

Deep Dive: The Blackout Experiments (2016)

Film Lens

The Blackout Experiments
The Blackout Experiments is a 2016 documentary directed by Rich Fox, focusing on the immersive horror experience known as Blackout. The film presents an in-depth look at how participants engage with a haunted house event that tailors scares to individual fears. Participants share their personal fears with event coordinators before entering, leading to unique experiences that vary from person to person. The documentary captures the psychological aspects of fear and attraction as participants navigate their emotions during the event. Fox interviews several repeat customers of Blackout, providing insights into their motivations for returning despite the intense nature of the experience. The documentary also addresses the boundaries of comfort, as participants are given a safe word to use if they feel overwhelmed. The film premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and was released by Gravitas Ventures in July 2016.

Why Watch

  • See Kristjan Thor's intense reactions to Blackout.
  • Find out why some participants keep returning to Blackout.
  • Meet the creators behind the immersive horror experience.

Did You Know

The Blackout Experiments premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.
Rotten Tomatoes reports a 45% positive review rate from critics based on 11 reviews.
The documentary has a runtime of 80 minutes.
The film features interviews with multiple participants, including Kristjan Thor and Jessica Sowa.

Perfect For

Horror enthusiastsImmersive theater fansDocumentary lovers