Horror Geek Life was present at this year’s Nightmares Film Festival in Columbus, Ohio, which brought an array of unique horror films currently making their rounds in the festival circuit. Many of the films playing were truly unique, offering a different viewing experience unlike any of the other films showing during the event. Perhaps the best example of this comes from the feature film Livescream, a one-of-a-kind horror movie from Octopunk Media.
What separates this movie from other horror films is that our story is set entirely online. Gunner Willis plays lead character Scott, an online gamer who regularly broadcasts his video game playthroughs live every week. With viewers watching along and adding their own comments, things quickly get interesting when one person recommends Scott try a new game called Livescream. Curious, Scott heads into the game, but things soon go awry when the gamer discovers losing in the game will result in deadly real-life consequences.
As explained in the “game,” Scott has a limited number of chances to pass through each level. If his character dies, then one of Scott’s live stream viewers will die as well. Of course, should Scott choose to abandon the game, he’ll be killed, forcing him to play through to save the lives of his viewers (and himself). Although the levels shown are inspired by different types of video games, the Livescream game was designed specifically for this film using the Unreal Engine, making the film even more unique.
Certainly, one of the film’s most shining aspects comes in the performance of Gunner Willis. Because of the nature of this film, Willis was required to remain in character for long periods of time, with the camera always on. Knowing how one mistake can ruin an entire take, these kinds of performances always impress me. To boot, Willis strongly comes across as very genuine and likable, and you’ll find yourself rooting for him to complete the game – even if you’re not someone who normally watches live streams such as these.
Livescream is simply very fun for viewers to watch, as it almost feels interactive. Whether you’re focusing on Scott, the game, or the comments box, watching the film very much feels like you’re legitimately looking at a live stream. The entire flick might be set in a single location on a computer screen, and yet, you won’t be able to stop watching once you begin the film. We obviously won’t be revealing what happens in the end here, but let’s just say you’ll be thinking about the movie for days after you see it.
Livescream‘s simple premise is so well-executed that the film managed to earn director Michelle Iannantuono a Nightmare Award for Best Director (Feature). The film is highly preferable to similar high-budget horror films, such as Unfriended and its sequel. Admittedly, this hasn’t been a sub-genre I particularly care for, but Livescream has definitely made me reconsider that stance. Confidently, I can say that this movie is by far the best film of its type.
Livescream is still in the midst of its festival run, and you can see if it’s playing near you at Octopunk Media’s official website. Take a look at the official trailer below!
Synopsis:Â When a popular video game streamer plays a haunted game, he faces deadly consequences for himself and his fans.
Also Check Out:Â All Nightmares Film Festival 2018 Coverage