REVIEW: ‘Infirmary (2026)’ Will Unsettle You

There are plenty of found-footage horror movies, but not all are gems to celebrate. In the case of Infirmary (2026), directed by Nicholas Pineda, it’s a found-footage horror film that’ll satisfy fans of the subgenre if they enjoy Grave Encounters. Once again, we’re being reminded that indie horror can do a lot with a little, especially when there’s passion behind the screen. 

Infirmary (2026) follows the events that led up to the mysterious disappearance of a security guard named Edward (Paul Syre) on his first day at an abandoned psychiatric facility. Mysterious disappearances, deaths, or unexplainable circumstances are incredibly common in found footage. While they don’t always work for every film, the premise does here because the buildup and tension are quite effective.

The film starts off with a red screen warning from the FBI, which lets us know that two people are dead, and they are still looking for someone they believe to be their killer. Infirmary (2026) is presented as the footage they recovered from that night.

And just like that, we see a shift to seeing what the inside of the hospital looks like. We go from room to room until we finally meet Edward, head security guard Lester (Mark Anthony Williams), and Ms. Downey (Danielle Kennedy). Unfortunately, Edward and Lester clash a little because Lester isn’t impressed upon their introduction. 

Infirmary (2026) makes so much out of little, proving the ingenuity of its cast and crew.

Having both characters feel like actual people with flaws and problems helps viewers care about their demises.  Infirmary (2026) makes it obvious early on that there is no happy ending; we’re left to wonder just how horrible an outcome awaits Edward, Lester, and Ms. Downey. Not to mention the evil history of the psychiatric hospital, where people were experimented on, suffered greatly, and many deaths occurred. Early on, it becomes clear that something isn’t right, especially as we begin to see unsettling things through the footage. 

As Edward and Lester try to get used to working together, they begin to experience strange phenomena. Just like in many horror films, they split up during moments they shouldn’t. And without spoiling the rest of the film, everything hits the fan, and everyone ends up neck deep in an unsavory situation. Infirmary (2026) builds up a tangible sense of anxiety and avoids overwhelming us with excessive jump scares. If you’ve seen a lot of found-footage films, you may find jump scares grating after a while. 

Considering Infirmary (2026) is found footage, the story is limited to what we see through the body cams, security cameras, and other footage. The scenes aren’t always crystal clear, which adds to the film’s ambiguously unsettling setting.

Found-footage films aren’t meant to look perfect all the time, and Infirmary (2026) delights in the creepy atmosphere of its abandoned hospital setting. It makes great use of the bland colors, the strangely placed mannequins, the hallways that feel endless, the countless doors and rooms, and eventually the basement, which is naturally the creepiest place in the building. 

Leaning into the nature of the found-footage genre, the atmosphere cultivated by its setting is chilling.

There are twists and small reveals that occur, but instead of spoiling those and ruining your experience before you get the chance to see the film, all you need to know is that everything is creepy as can be. Infirmary (2026) isn’t the type of horror film with a high body count or lots of gore and blood. Instead, it’s mostly about its dreadful atmosphere and the promise that nothing will work out for Edward. What starts out as a first night on the job turns into absolute madness and fear.

The cast is quite small and diverse. Everyone does a great job. Rather than forcing its audience to follow an aggressively unlikeable character, the film presents a main character who is mostly unsure of himself and not at all a dominant figure. It’s made clear early in the film that Edward is a former Marine, now a civilian. However, given his personality, you may not expect that of him initially. 

Aside from the premise and the small cast’s performances, Infirmary (2026) has tremendous sound design that’ll have you looking over your shoulder. Everything comes through crystal clear, and that’ll be especially amplified through a potential theatrical viewing experience. If it gets a theatrical release, you should absolutely see it. 

Infirmary (2026) may not reinvent the found-footage wheel in terms of ghosts, hauntings, or hospital-set horror. However, that doesn’t take away from the efforts that went into bringing this film to life. Indie horror can do so much with a small budget and cast. Therefore, if you’re looking to support an indie found-footage horror film, Infirmary (2026) may be your jam. 

Infirmary (2026) premieres at Dances with Films in New York on January 16, 2026.