The trailer for Joe Keery’s dark social media satireSpreedropped earlier today. TheStranger Thingsactor stars as a social media obsessed rideshare driver who decks the inside of his car with action cameras as part of his plan to become infamous by livestreaming his rampage as “#thelesson”.
Premiering at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, the film stars Keery, best known for playing Steve Harrington inStranger Things, as rideshare driver and aspiring internet superstar Kurt Kunkle as he aims to go viral by livestreaming the kidnapping and torture of his passengers. And he’s set his sights on online comic Jessie Adams, played by stand-up comedian Sasheer Zamata.
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In preparation for the role, Keery and writer/director Eugene Kotlyarenko shot several social media posts in character imitating various YouTube trends such as unboxing videos, shopping hauls, and vape reviews. The pair also spent hours watching and examining influencers such asthe controversial Logan Paul.
Kotlyarenko said in an interview with Deadline thatSpreewas pitched by co-writer Greg McHugh as a killer rideshare driver movie, but it didn’t come together until they hit upon the social media angle. “We seized upon the idea of making it a critique of the attention economy and everyone’s desperation to be validated on social media and stuff,” he said.
While found footage horror films aren’t new,Spreelooks like an interesting and timely spin on the format. At a time when viral fame has never been so easy to achieve for better or worse, this could be a no holds barred commentary about the kind of person who broadcasts their every mundane thought. And it looks like Keery’s performance as a cheery socially awkward sociopath could be a winner.
Spreeis aiming for a theatrical release on August 14th.
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