The ‘vlogger’ has become a mainstay character of independent horror movies. Once upon a time it was the ‘author’, but now the virtual influencer is the more exciting occupation for a prospective lead character. Films such as Deadstream, Mean Spirited, and Spree are just three that come to mind, all sharing qualities of the found-footage sub-genre. Now a new film, #chadgetstheaxe, tries to follow in their shoes.
Whereas other vlogger stories hone in on just one vlogger to be the protagonist, #chadgetstheaxe throws multiple influencers onto the screen. The plot joins a group of different content creators as they team up for the ultimate live-stream experience – a night in a supposedly haunted house. The variety of personalities offer a welcome counterpoint to the usual vlogger. By having different channels, #chadgetstheaxe skirts the now typical disgraced influencer seeking redemption trope. Instead, it leans into the other popular angle – the vlogger’s desperation for fame. What makes it more interesting than normal is that they are all at war with one another, each wanting to generate the most viewers. This opens up plenty of opportunities for pranks and back-biting that adds a fun hint of spice to a narrative framework that is becoming ever more crowded.
Although #chadgetstheaxe initially starts well, it isn’t long before it starts to wear on the viewer. The characters are all too self-centered to connect to. Each of them are as vapid as the other and so it is hard to find any of them worthy of investing in. Whether they live or die is simply a passing interest, rather than concern. The real sticking point in #chadgetstheaxe is the over-involvement of the viewer comments. This component is a standard of the livestream format, but whilst others in the genre keep the interaction limited, or in the corner, here they take up far too much of the screen. With such a prominent position, the viewer is constantly drawn into reading the never-ending scroll of comments. Attention is drawn away from the main plot; the longer the film goes on, the harder it becomes to concentrate.
The comments may be horribly distracting, but their content is an accurate reflection of social media interactions. There are the people who are aggressively mean, wishing the group dead, the spirited fanboys who fight back against the bullies, and then there are those that are jumping on the feed to promote a product or gimmick. None of what is said bears any real consequence on the plot, but they make an astute commentary on our virtual lives. Simultaneously the best, and worst component, the viewer will see-saw between enjoying the commentary to despairing at its overbearing nature.
When compared to some of the other influencer-based found-footage and livestream horrors, #chasgetstheaxe is a commendable effort, but it lacks sufficient invigoration to stand out from what is becoming an oversaturated market. A commendable entry, just not as fresh as one would hope it to be.
#chadgetstheaxe
Summary
A never ending barrage of scrolling comments distracts from the action on-screen in this semi-solid new entry into an ever expanding new sub-genre.
#chadgetstheaxe was reviewed at FrightFest Glasgow 2023.
