You would really think that of all the places out there, in social media you’d be safe from a ghost. Guess not…

unfriended01

  • What is it?

On the anniversary of a teenager’s suicide due to a bullying incident, several kids are just casually hanging out online. But they keep being joined by an unknown person who soon turns out to be the dead girl’s vengeful spirit.

unfriended02

  • I would like this if I like…

Horror and avante garde cinema. For example, if you watch single-location films because of that limitation or you consider The Blair Witch Project to be a bit of filmmaking genius, Unfriended should definitely be on your list. But if you shy away from the experimental, this isn’t for you.

unfriended03

  • Is it good?

The entire movie takes place on someone’s computer desktop. The narrative is driven through Skype sessions, text chat,phone calls, Facebook messages and Instagram posts. It is completely embedded in modern online communications. This can be a test for some, yet other people appear to love it. In my opinion it was fun, but the two watching Unfriended with me found the method and pace tiresome. I can’t say Unfriended is a great movie, but it does do things very differently and does so beyond a mere gimmick (you heard that, Birdman, you overrated waste of time?).

unfriended04

  • Should I watch it?

If the above appeals to you, yes, definitely. I mentioned Blair Witch Project earlier, because it is so apt. Like that film, what Unfriended does is unique and taking advantage of modern technology. Yet unlike Blair Witch, which wasn’t the first ‘found footage’ film, I daresay Unfriended is the first feature film to use a computer screen as its single location. It can get a bit frustrating to watch, as you have to read a lot. If you consider yourself a bit of an movie adventurist and you enjoy horror, you have to add Unfriended to your list.

Last Updated: August 13, 2015

7.5

4 Comments

  1. Loving the new Four Questions format!
    (you heard that, Birdman, you overrated waste of time?). – this made my day
    Not watching this, thx!

    Reply

    • James Francis

      August 14, 2015 at 08:34

      Man, Birdman makes me angry at so many levels, especially when I think about how it pretty much stole Whiplash’s awards. It just proves that not even awards wonks and movie intellectuals are immune from hype.

      Reply

    • James Francis

      August 14, 2015 at 08:35

      Thanks for enjoying the format. The aim is to let you quickly decide if you want to watch this or not. Mission accomplished, I guess 🙂

      Reply

  2. Ranting Raptor

    August 17, 2015 at 10:33

    Every teen’s worst nightmare in this day and age. Being unfriended on social media. Shame

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Check Also

Twelve Minutes Review – Stuck in a Mystery Time Loop

We’ve all experienced deja vu a few times in our lives, but what happens when you ha…