3 Ways The Cameraman Is the Perfect Nostalgia Fix [Book review]
As more companies and creatives realise that nostalgia sells, those seeking a fix are growing wary of being served empty aesthetics or shallow pandering. It’s all too tempting for authors and Hollywood to say, “Well, this sucks—but if we set it in the ’90s, it’ll sell!” Thankfully, that’s not the case with The Cameraman (2023), written by Liberty Key author Michael R. Goodwin.
This review is here to help horror fans decide whether to pick up The Cameraman, while also highlighting three killer ways it delivers the perfect nostalgia hit for anyone who loves retro scares.
As always on the 90s Horror Blog, you’ll get a spoiler-free plot rundown—just the essentials—followed by three solid reasons why The Cameraman nails both the scares and the throwback vibes.
The Cameraman (2023) Plot Summary
Not wanting to repeat last year’s church-hosted roller rink night—his mother’s way of protesting “the devil’s night”—Ryan convinces his parents he’s responsible enough to stay home alone this Halloween. The rules are simple: keep the lights off so trick-or-treaters think no one’s home, and absolutely no “shenanigans.”
To Ryan, this is the perfect chance to finally watch the mysterious VHS tape he found two weeks ago in the woods. The label’s too water-damaged to read—thanks to the leftover snow—but he tucked it beside the basement furnace, and it should be dry by now.
Armed with a sandwich, a Star Wars novel, and a flashlight, Ryan heads to the basement to make the most of his night of independence. He pops the tape into the VCR and hits play…
But it’s a decision he’ll soon regret. As the old saying goes, curiosity killed the cat — but will it kill Ryan?
The Cameraman (2023) Book Review
I have very little criticism of The Cameraman. The only thing I’d say is that there are themes and ideas I would have liked to see explored more. This book is a great little read, but I just wanted more. I suppose that’s not really a criticism of the story itself. I try to be as balanced in my reviews as I can.
Now to the meat of the review: the three ways this novella delivers a hit of nostalgia—without resorting to lazy references or shallow aesthetics aimed at a target demographic.
1. For Fans of Creepypastas or Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
The Cameraman builds tension in the same way Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark does—through simple setups, eerie pacing, and that perfect touch of theatrical suspense. Those stories were meant to be read aloud, ideally around a fire, where every pause and whisper made the shadows feel alive. If you loved that kind of storytelling, chances are you also remember the thrill of campfire tales that made you glance over your shoulder.
The Cameraman taps into that same vibe, delivering a concentrated dose of dread that lingers long after the last page. This book will bring those fond memories back.
2. If you Love the Forbidden Media Trope…
I really enjoyed the Ring-style themes in this spooky short. The idea of stumbling across some kind of cursed media—like a mysterious VHS tape—and feeling compelled to find out what’s on it is a concept that always grabs me. Maybe it’s because of some deep-rooted fantasy I have. The fantasy about digging up an old floppy disk or tape and discovering it’s cursed!
This trope pops up again and again in Creepypasta stories, like Rap Rat, If You Find a VHS Tape Titled Professor Egghead’s Adventures, Don’t Watch It, 1999, and Sonic.exe. I absolutely love it. It’s nostalgic for fans of Ringu and still going strong in modern internet horror. What makes The Cameraman stand out, though, is that it pulls it off really well. This is why it’s become one of my favorite short horror stories.
3. The Cameraman Captures Real Childhood Feelings and Dilemmas
“Despite my caution, my hormone-fueled brain hoped it was some kind of [p**n], maybe some homemade stuff.”
—The Cameraman, p.19
Michael R. Goodwin takes the reader right back to being 14. Its an age defined by a craving for independence, the awkward pressure to fit in (or at least not stand out), and a curiosity about things your parents would rather ignore. It’s a more unflinching and honest portrayal of growing up in the ’90s than I usually see, especially for a story with a protagonist this young.
The way the thought process is laid out really transports you—cringe and all—straight back to your own teenage mindset.
The Cameraman is a nostalgic, dread-soaked gem that taps into the eerie charm of campfire ghost stories and the cursed-media tropes of classic Creepypastas. Set on Halloween night in the 1990s, it follows a teenage boy who decides to watch a mysterious VHS tape he found in the woods. Only to unleash something far more sinister than he bargained for. With sharp pacing, authentic teenage perspective, and a strong throwback vibe, this novella delivers effective scares and retro atmosphere without falling into the trap of empty nostalgia. It gets a big thumbs up from us!
