Review of Unfriended (2014) by Thequietgamer — 01 Oct 2015

Clever ideas and new twists make for a surprisingly original mainstream horror movie. The all too familiar jump scares and cheap theatrics the usual generic, teenage date night, cash-grab horror flicks use aren't found here. What we get here is a creative revenge story with some cool ideas that manages to be enjoyable even if it doesn't quite nail the horror aspect.

Everything takes place on a computer screen. Skype, Facebook, Google, messaging, you'll watch this group of teens use it all to interact with one another and the vengeful spirit while they play "Never Have I Ever." This movie is really an anti-bullying message meant for this technology obsessed generation.

It's remarkably entertaining to watch these teens turn on each other as their darkest secrets are being revealed. They are a remarkably convincing group of youngish actors who react just like they should when betrayals among each other are revealed, as well as reveals in the larger plot of what roles they all played in the bullying (both cyber and other) of their now deceased tormentor. Even more impressive is how everything touches on the lifestyle of teens nowadays.

Sex, drinking, the fact that they all talk crap about each other even though their "friends," all these things that modern teens wouldn't want revealed are portrayed here and brought to life. This is going to be a gut punch of a horror movie to the right crowd. They'll react just as horrified as the characters onscreen do. Older audiences though just might not get it.

To be honest, it's not a scary movie. Things are dark and some weird stuff is happening, but the real horror comes from the message. Not the crap the ghost is doing. If you don't know much about how younger people are spending their lives, this won't hit you in the same way. Those of us who are apart of the new technological age can eat up all it's little insights into our worlds. I particularly enjoyed the sadistic use of memes.

Even as someone apart of this new always online generation, the movie still didn't scare me. It even amused me at some points. The at times unintentionally goofy ways it tries to build tension by not having someone message another character back immediately and the ominous Facebook is supposed to be creepy. It's not. There are some cool things going on here, but some awkward execution leads to more chuckles than screams.

It's a movie that does a good job at delivering it's ideas and message, but is less effective with the actual horror part. While it will only really affect a certain audience, those looking for a truly unique horror film should still be able to appreciate the movie. With some good messages and an all around creative scenario it's still enjoyable even if it isn't scary.

I give "Unfriended" a 7.5/10.