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.
