Movie Review: Dashcam (2021)
Synopsis:
"Dashcam" is a found footage-style horror film directed by Rob Savage, renowned for his innovative approach to the genre. The film unfolds in real-time and centres on a self-centred, live-streaming musician named Annie Hardy (played by Annie Hardy herself), who is particularly known for her provocative and audacious online persona. The story kicks off in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Annie, frustrated with the restrictions and lockdowns, decides to escape her monotonous life in Los Angeles and venture to the UK. Armed with her phone and an array of high-tech gadgets, she logs onto her live-streaming channel, engaging with her audience while simultaneously recording her drive.
What begins as a reckless escapade soon spirals into a nightmare. During her drive, Annie picks up a mysterious stranger, whose urgent pleas for assistance plunge her into a terrifying situation. As events unfold, Annie finds herself trapped in a sinister and menacing reality, with the live-streaming aspect complicating her attempts at escaping the horror that encroaches upon her. The tension builds as Annie confronts her own selfishness and comprehends the real-life consequences of her actions, all while her viewers watch in shocking voyeuristic delight.
Cast:
- Annie Hardy as Annie Hardy
- Astro as Stretch
- Angela Enahoro as The Woman
- Paul Kaye as The Police Officer
- Jonny Woo as Himself
- Emmjolee as Janet
- Charlie Hides as Himself
Review:
"Dashcam" unfolds with an audacious premise, strongly reminiscent of works like "Unfriended" and "Host", both of which capitalised on the digital landscape to instil horror within the viewer’s familiarity with technology. Rob Savage ingeniously harnesses the immersive qualities of streaming and live broadcasting, allowing audiences to navigate the increasingly claustrophobic confines of both the car and the digital realm alongside Annie. This approach makes the film resonate strongly, particularly with a generation that finds themselves too comfortable in the online world.
Annie Hardy delivers a polarising performance; her character is intentionally obnoxious and brash, reflecting the worst qualities of social media influencers. Hardy, arguably the film’s focal point, captures the essence of a live-streaming musician who relishes her moment in the spotlight, even as her audience clamours for more outrageous content. It is a bold decision to centre the story around such an unlikable protagonist, yet it serves to illustrate a broader commentary on social media culture, echoing the age-old adage that fame comes at a cost.
While this self-absorbed dynamic keeps the narrative moving briskly, it does present an initial challenge for the viewer. Many may find it difficult to empathise with Annie as she flouts safety and morality for a few extra likes and views. Yet, as the horror mounts and the stakes become increasingly perilous, viewers are dragged into a more complicated moral landscape where survival becomes paramount.
The film effectively employs a layered storytelling technique. Savage intertwines horror with surreal humour, using the absurdity of Annie’s situations to create tension and occasional levity. As her journey transforms from an aimless road trip to a race against an unseen malevolent force, each plot twist becomes more outrageous and nightmarish. The predominance of real-time action creates an immediacy that fuels suspense; viewers are left breathlessly wondering what calamity will unfold next.
Geographically, "Dashcam" has a subtle charm. The British backdrop, with its darkened streets and perilous roads, enhances the sense of entrapment felt by both Annie and her audience. The cinematography, frantically oscillating between the car’s interior and the exterior environment, captures the juxtaposition of normal life against a backdrop of horror; an innocuous drive simply transformed into a scene of terror.
Sound design plays a pivotal role in building atmosphere, amplifying the cracks and creaks of the car and the unnerving noises that punctuate Annie’s journey. The incessant beeping of her phone serves not just as a reminder of her online presence, but also as an unnerving countdown to chaos. This soundscape amplifies the viewer’s tension, seamlessly merging with Annie’s growing hysteria as the film progresses.
As the film shifts deeper into horror territory, the true understanding of Annie’s character emerges. She transitions away from being a self-absorbed digital influencer to a flawed human being grappling with the consequences of her choices. The glaring irony becomes apparent as her attempts to save herself and evade danger become thoroughly exploited by her own audience, reflecting the grim reality of how social media thrives on spectacle, even in life-or-death situations.
However, "Dashcam" is not without its flaws. The film’s pacing can occasionally teeter into uneven territory; moments of intense horror are often interspersed with stretches of mundane dialogue that may provoke viewer fatigue. Furthermore, the narrative relies heavily on the viewer’s willingness to suspend disbelief, which can be challenging given the film’s increasingly frenetic shifts in tone.
Moreover, the concluding act seems to falter slightly, teetering on the edge of all-out absurdity. Although some viewers will relish the chaotic culmination of events, others may feel that the climax becomes convoluted, stretching the film’s thin premise to its breaking point. It raises pertinent questions about how far one will go to obtain a viral moment, serving as a haunting reflection of our own social media obsessions.
In terms of thematic depth, "Dashcam" engages with notions of accountability, morality, and fidelity within the digital age. It dares to critique the self-serving aspects of internet fame while exposing the darker side of content consumption—viewers revel in chaos and disorder as long as they’re behind the screen. This underlying critique renders the film thought-provoking, despite its flaws.
In conclusion, “Dashcam” is an ambitious addition to the found footage horror genre, underscored by a contemporary critique of social media culture. Rob Savage has created a film that excels in its juxtaposition of real-time horror and digital voyeurism, with Annie Hardy’s performance serving as a polarising yet engaging centrepiece. While it falters in pacing and occasionally loses coherence, the film ultimately captivates through its bold premise and unsettling commentary.
Score: 7.5 out of 10.
“Dashcam” is a harrowing ride that unflinchingly explores the intersections of technology, fame, and fright, making it a deserving watch for horror enthusiasts willing to grapple with their own engagement in today’s digitalised society.
