The Hoard is a clever and entertaining 2018 Canadian comedyhorror mockumentary that takes a satirical look at both reality TV culture and classic horror tropes. Presented as the ‘pilot’ episode for a fictional realityshow titled Extremely Haunted Hoarders, the film follows a ragtag production team diving into the chaotic world of hoarding and stumbling into paranormal mayhem when they start clearing out the home of an infamous local collector of junk. Combining humorous setups and eerie atmosphere, the movie offers an unexpected twist on the hoardercleanup genre while poking fun at television conventions.
The Premise and Storyline
The mockumentary centers on the production team behind *Extremely Haunted Hoarders*, a realityTV concept that blends paranormal investigation with hoarder intervention. They head to Rockford, Ohio, drawn by the legend of Murph Evans, a notorious hoarder with multiple crumbling mansions filled with decades of clutter. As this mismatched crew ranging from organizers and psychologists to paranormal experts begins their cleanup mission, they uncover much more than dust and debris including bizarre rituals, ghostly activity, and buried secrets that threaten to unravel the entire show.
Mockumentary Style
Filmed in a mockumentary style, *The Hoard* mimics the production values of contemporary reality TV including shaky camera footage, onscreen text, interviews, and confessional segments. This approach gives the story an authentic, behindthescenes tone that both satirizes and celebrates the absurd extremes of such shows.
Main Characters
- Murph Evans(Barry More): The reclusive and infamous hoarder whose properties are the focus of the cleanup operation.
- Sheila Smyth(Lisa Solberg): The overly enthusiastic professional organizer unprepared for paranormal chaos.
- Dr. Lance Ebe(Tony Burgess): The hoarder psychologist whose credentials may mean less than he claims.
- Chloe and Caleb Black(Elma Begovic & Ry Barrett): Paranormal investigators whose ghosthunting tech stimulates comedic and creepy moments.
- The Contractor Falcon: The rugged cleanup worker who brings unexpected humor and bravado to the haunted scenario.
Production and Style
Directed, written, produced, and edited by Jesse Thomas Cook and Matt Wiele, with contributions from Tony Burgess, *The Hoard* is notable for its distinct tone that blends clever satire with genuine horror elements..
The mockumentary technique extends throughout ropey camera work, budgeted sound design, and familiar interview setups add realism while offering comedic undercut. This clever parody of hoarding and ghosthunting TV tropes gives the film both satirical edge and immersive character moments.
Reception
Reviews were mixed. Anton Bitel praised the film for its effective balance: very, very funny, achieving the right place between smart and dumb, turning garbage into pure gold…
Why ‘The Hoard’ Stands Out
- Satire of modern reality TV: The film cleverly skewers the discomfort and spectacle culture of shows about hoarding and ghost hunting.
- Blend of genres: Combining humor, horror, and documentary mimicry into a cohesive and engaging narrative.
- Character-driven comedy: Eccentric personalities and awkward interviews give it genuine laughter amid the monstrous reveals.
- Low-budget ingenuity: Its production reflects its theme turning small-scale filming into comedic and creepy cinematic value.
*The Hoard* offers a quirky, entertaining take on the hoarder-reality genre, adding a supernatural twist that lifts it above simple parody. Its mockumentary form both critiques and celebrates modern TV culture, with charismatic characters and unpredictable energy. Though it may drag in places, it succeeds in satire and unexpected frights. For viewers who enjoy offbeat comedy-horror with meta-commentary, *The Hoard* is a hidden gem worth discovering.