Indie
[Review] This Is Not A Drill! ‘Unfriended’ Has Changed the Found-Footage Game
Reviewed by: Síofra McAllister
Finally. Unfriended‘s (formerly Cybernatural) deceptively simple format taps into a universal theme that has, until now, remained elusive in genre movies despite its prevalence in our 21st century psyche: The fear that technology has given us the tools to destroy each other – and ourselves. From inglorious efforts like Smiley (2012) to those hat just missed the mark like Vlog (2008), many have tried to scratch the technophobic itch but none have succeeded like Unfriended director Leo Gabriadze (Daywatch).
The demonic possession trope is a tricky one to get right at the best of times, but playing on our dystopian dread of the digital footprint we’re all leaving behind, Unfriended combines the paranormal and science fiction genres with all the familiar fixings of our online lives to create a monster that’s as relatable as it is terrifying. Who’s watching your Skype calls? Who can trace that misguided video you posted? And just how much of ourselves do we internet users unwittingly expose – and leave behind?
Found footage aficionados have become used to shaky cams and shaky premises, but in Unfriended, we’re watching the horror unfold via click and drag momentum and grainy Skype calls. The story unfolds entirely on a computer screen, as classic horror devices are seamlessly integrated with digital tools. Viewers have an over the shoulder perspective of the antiheroine’s desktop as the action kicks off with a time-honoured but effective jump scare via a YouTube video. The usual suspects who set the scene for a good old fashioned slasher – the hottie, the sweetie, the smart goofball – are introduced via a group Skype call, where most of the increasingly uncomfortable action will unfold. The question of an atmospheric and timely soundtrack is cleverly dealt with via Spotify – who knew your desktop could play host to so much sinister action?
Unfriended is a uniquely rendered game changer of both style and theme. The unusual format might jar with less tech savvy movie goers, and time will tell whether this heavily context-reliant modern set up will age poorly, but most horror fans will be delighted by strong, subtle performances, clever audience manipulation and a truly fresh and new approach to what had become a hackneyed genre.
Her House of Horrors, the horror division of Independent Production House WOMXNOGRAPHY, has launched its Bite Size Short Grant Program, ahead of its film festival Dollhouse of Horror, which will take place in March 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.
The Bite Size Short Grant Program awards $2,000 film grants to female-identifying and queer horror filmmakers. Shorts must be able to be made for $2,000, with a minimum runtime of 8 minutes. Submissions are now open on Filmfreeway, and are being judged by a panel of horror lovers and content creators.
The 2024 Bite Size Short Grant Program judge lineup is as follows:
“James H. Carter II- A documentary director, film producer, podcaster, marketing specialist, and writer. James is the founder and co-owner of Creepy Kingdom. Creepy Kingdom was founded in 2011 and is a multimedia website, and production studio specializing in creepy content. Their primary focus lies at the intersection of childlike fantasy and the macabre, covering horror films, theme parks, haunts, and much more. Beyond their extensive media coverage, Creepy Kingdom hosts events, offers original merchandise, and engages in film production under the Creepy Kingdom Studios brand producing original films like “Foolish Mortals”, exploring Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” fan culture, and “Georgie”, featuring Tony Dakota from the original “It” miniseries.
“In addition to founding Creepy Kingdom, James has won awards for his documentary work, including the award-winning “Foolish Mortals,” which has earned him recognition. He has been featured on Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween special.
“Ashleeta Beauchamp is the editor-in-chief of Peek-A-Boo! Magazine, a cheeky horror magazine created to uplift marginalized writers, artists, models and other creators within the horror community. She also runs The Halloween Coalition, a community group to provide support and marketing for horror and Halloween events around the Southern California area.
“Titeanya Rodríguez is a multi-hyphenate creative, and the founder and owner of HER HOUSE OF HORRORS, home of DOLLHOUSE OF HORROR and the horror division of WOMXNOGRAPHY. As a fellow storyteller and a self-proclaimed artivist, Titeanya’s mission is to create opportunities for women of color and queer women, across film, tv, sports, music, and beyond. She is also the creator of the BITE SIZE SHORT grant program.”
Winners will have a one-night theatrical screening at Regal Cinemas. Submissions Close April 8 at Midnight. Winners will be announced on May 27, 2024. Shorts must be shot and through post-production by June 30, 2024. The screening will take place on July 8, 2024, in Los Angeles, CA.
WOMXNOGRAPHY, HER HOUSE OF HORRORS, and Rodriguez are represented by Azhar PR, Granderson Des Rochers, and Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir.
To submit your short to the Bite Size Short Grant Program, go to the FilmFreeway link here.
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