The Buildout
The Buildout is a 2024 American psychological horror found footage film written and directed by Zeshaan Younus in his feature film debut. It stars Jenna Kanell, Hannah Alline, and Natasha Halevi. The film won four awards at the 13th Oceanside International Film Festival.
Plot
Two women embark on a road trip through a desert where a cult resides and unexplainable events take place.
Production
The project was crowdfunded and is the feature film debut of Younus. Principal photography took place over seven days in the Anza-Borrego Desert.
Release
The film premiered at Oceanside International Film Festival on February 24, 2024, with later dates at Chattanooga Film Festival, Panic Fest, and a Frida Cinema screening hosted by Sean Gunn. It released on video on demand on February 25, 2025, as the inaugural release from Ethos Releasing.
Reception
Critical response
Dread Central scored it 4 out of 5 saying it "is cosmic horror that lands among the stars." Bloody Disgusting said it is a 4 out of 5 that "is a stunning, genre-bending odyssey into the unknown that skillfully blends themes of mysticism, grief, and the paranormal into a film where reality and the supernatural blur." Video Librarian says it "stands strong currently as a 3.5 out of 5 star film that is a must watch for those who love independent cinema, and suspenseful tales."