To the Manor, Shawn

Deadstream (Joseph Winter & Vanessa Winter, 2022)

Felt like sharing some love for Deadstream (2022); a horror comedy that's left a lasting impression on me since watching it over Halloween night. It owes a lot of what makes it work to Sam Raimi's original The Evil Dead (1981), but it also adds a few contemporary features making it a far more interesting spin than what Fede Alvarez achieved with Evil Dead (2013).

Shawn Ruddy, played by actor and co-director, Joseph Winter, is a cancelled internet celebrity hoping to make a comeback by spending the night in the ominously nicknamed "Death Manor", while livestreaming it. For a film that goes by the conventions of the one-night-in-a-haunted-house type formula, there's a lot going on here; from Shawn's fall from grace; the legend of Mildred Pratt; the previous victims befallen in Death Manor; Chrissy, the stalkerish fan, and demonic rituals, these all constitute to the film being a rollercoaster ride. At times it's reminiscent of Ghostwatch (1992) in the way it toys with its premise, along with its format conventions. This give Deadstream a more indelible charm compared to some of its other peers. Also, it's worth bearing in mind that this the first enjoyable film to feature an internet personality/influencer that did not annoy ruin the film in any way.

Deadstream's biggest advantage over similar haunted house flicks is the character, Shawn himself. Can't speak for anyone else, but watching a completely shallow, internet personality being terrorised by the undead is hilarious. His dumb logic in facing his fears is delightfully entertaining. At times, he reminds me of Carl Kolchak and Ash Williams with the way he completely pussies out, but repeatedly attempts to confront the supernatural in his idiosyncratic way. Shawn also happens to be really self-aware; especially after getting cancelled, so he tries not to use any foul language while being abused by the evil dead as he's equally scared of losing his sponsors. One cool, but ridiculous detail I like about Shawn is him playing creepy synth music on a tape player for ambience. As if wondering around in a delapidated abandoned building in the middle of the woods wasn't enough for the fear factor. Shawn's interaction with his chatroom is another huge positive aspect in the film; he's ridiculed, trolled and at times given invaluable help by them. This helps the film progress and stay fresh.

Found-footage films have been around for yonks and despite no longer being in vogue, their relative cheap production marks them as a firm favourite for many aspiring film makers. It's birthed a lot of crap because of this, so whenever a genuinely good entry in the format happens to come along, it's worth celebrating. It certainly looks like a cheap production; the set looks like it was shot in a crack house, which makes this all the more atmospheric while watching it in complete darkness.

Discovered the Winters from their short film, To Hell And Back; which was part of Shudder's horror anthology V/H/S/99 (2022). It was the highlight in an otherwise forgettable portmanteau. Made a note of them and was rewarded with Deadstream being a low-budget gem more precious than any cubic zircona.