The film follows a student film crew, led by Mia (Michelle Ang), who are documenting the life of Deborah Logan (Jill Larson) as she battles Alzheimer's disease to fund her daughter Sarah's (Anne Ramsay) care. What begins as a poignant look at a devastating illness quickly devolves into something far more sinister when Deborah's behavior goes beyond typical dementia symptoms.

The film follows Mia Medina (Michelle Ang), a PhD student filming a documentary about Alzheimer’s disease. She finds the perfect subject in Deborah Logan (Jill Larson) and her stressed, live-in daughter, Sarah (Anne Ramsay).

Luis discovers Deborah’s old research: a 1927 local legend about a landowner named Ephraim Logan who made a deal with a “hungry spirit” called the Keeper of First Graves . In exchange for prosperity, each firstborn Logan daughter at age 78 would become the Keeper’s vessel—a living bridge between the dead and the living.

: Alzheimer's symptoms mimic early stages of demonic possession.

The film follows a student film crew, led by Mia (Michelle Ang), who are making a documentary about Alzheimer’s disease. Their subject is Deborah Logan (played in a career-defining performance by Jill Larson) and her daughter, Sarah (Anne Ramsay).

While some found footage movies benefit from a "gritty" or low-res look, The Taking of Deborah Logan relies heavily on visual storytelling and subtle background scares. Using a source offers several advantages:

Cast * Jill Larson. Jill Larson. Deborah Logan. * Anne Ramsay. Anne Ramsay. Sarah Logan. * Michelle Ang. Michelle Ang. Mia Medina. IMDb The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014) - Letterboxd

While the "found footage" subgenre became oversaturated in the early 2010s, The Taking of Deborah Logan stands out as a standout entry that uses the format to deliver genuine dread rather than just cheap jump scares.

By the time the film reaches its terrifying climax, it has solidified itself as a unique entry in the genre, proving that sometimes, the most terrifying monsters are the ones that take over the minds and bodies of the people we love.

Upon its release in 2014, The Taking of Deborah Logan faced an interesting distribution challenge. It was not a wide theatrical blockbuster. The film was first released via "electronic sell-through" on October 21, 2014, followed by a video-on-demand and DVD release on November 4, 2014. Despite the limited release, the film found a massive second life on streaming services like Netflix. Director Adam Robitel has publicly stated that the film's availability on major streamers "saved" the film financially, turning it from a small indie project into a viral cult hit.

Jill Larson's performance is highly acclaimed for her ability to portray both a vulnerable, aging woman and a terrifying, otherworldly entity.

: Deborah's sudden rage is initially dismissed as medical frustration.

This is a popular source because it offers a number of advantages:

The plot follows Mia Medina (Michelle Ang) and her film crew as they create a medical documentary about Alzheimer's disease. They find the perfect subject in Deborah Logan (Jill Larson), a refined elderly woman living in a secluded home with her struggling daughter, Sarah (Anne Ramsay).