Audiences will scream with excitement and fright as they watch Deadstream

by DarkSkyLady

Deadstream, written and directed by Joseph & Vanessa Winter, premiered at SXSW Festival. The film follows Shawn Ruddy (Joseph Winter), an internet personality who, after facing online backlash, tries to win his followers by staying in a dilapidated haunted house alone for the night. Unfortunately, Shawn is not popular with the ghosts either, and his attempt to redeem himself to his fan base becomes a fight for survival after he disturbs the evil presence in the house.

Deadstream starts frightening, blending the humor and scares but becomes Evil Dead sequel foolishness. Thanks to the story, comedy, practical effects, and ending, Deadstream proves a worthy addition to found footage horror despite the edgy—code for a racist—white character at the helm. At first, Deadstream reminded me of Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum because the need for money, fame, and relevancy outshines self-preservation instincts but becomes more camp than horror, so fans of camp will love this movie.  

We only learn of Shawn’s past conduct that ostracizes his followers much later in the film. Even without the context it is clear that Shawn is, mildly put, a problematic individual. Joseph Winter does a great job carrying most of the film. Because Shawn is trying to re-establish his popularity, there is a question about the authenticity of each paranormal event. From his run to his screams, Shawn is funny and annoying, so I cheered for him to lose while wondering how and why he ever had a following in the first place. 

When Chrissy (Melanie Stone), an avid fan, spooks Shawn with her arrival, the worry is on two fronts: ghosts and creepy fans. Chrissy exudes a manic excitement that makes you wonder if Shawn is better off alone in the haunted house. All I know is an eerie, smiling “fan” shows up near me, and I am moving as far away as I can get. Shawn has enough horror movie awareness that he even made a soundtrack to build the ambiance for the livestream. No matter how dangerous the situation is, he plays his soundtrack throughout his encounters. So audiences will laugh at the lengths Shawn goes to continue pleasing his viewers and sponsors.   

The scares and dread, in the beginning, catch you off guard because of the comedic parts interspersed throughout, and lord Shawn’s voice makes you laugh. I even jumped at specific points watching Deadstream. The practical effects are sound, though they felt unnecessary to me and diminished the film to camp. But I love that they remind me of some of my favorite movies, especially The Thing.  

There are parts I loved in Deadstream, particularly in the first half of the film. Shawn’s desperation precedes his life to the point that later, even when facing danger, he never forgets he is livestreaming with sponsors, money, and redemption on the line. Deadstream shows love to practical effects, and though it is out of place here, I love practical effects over discernable special effects and CGI. Deadstream will not give you nightmares, but it will leave you laughing. Deadstream is like a Halloween feature-length sketch, and there is nothing wrong with that.