When the hapless Shawn (Joseph Winter) lets out a squeal at the sight of a shape in the woods, I knew I was into Deadstream (2022). A disgraced streamer known for his pranks and stunts, Shawn endeavours after a six-month internet ban to reclaim his followers and satisfy corporate sponsorship by spending one night in an abandoned, haunted mansion. Winter, who co-wrote and co-directed with Vanessa Winter (they’re married), is on the right side of annoying for me with his performance: slightly obnoxious but completely rattled by the possibility of a real ghost, or getting demonetised for unthinkingly swearing. The obvious comparison, and source of inspiration is Sam Riami’s Evil Dead II, with its protagonist experiencing pratfalls, fluids and antagonistic demons, just now shot through with a found-footage live-streaming frame, which takes advantage of its protagonist’s attempts to make everything “cinematic” (he brings his own spooky music synth score that he plays on a walkman). Into the mix is an obsessive fan, Chrissy (Melanie Stone), who complicates the night with their presence and suggestions. I wasn’t sure about Deadstream as a Shudder Original with its horror-pun title and high concept, but was prompted to check it out due to the Winters’ segment for the recent, V/H/S/99, where two unlucky amateur documentary filmmakers wind up in hell on New Year’s Eve; that was goofy and enjoyable and also had a fun turn by Stone (between these two films, consider me a Melanie Stone fan!). The internet-streaming satire is hard to pull off without going over-the-top or being a bit try-hard, but the filmmakers do a good job here. It’s an obvious joke – Shawn continually checking into his stream to ask his followers for help, and mostly getting obnoxious replies – but damned if it didn’t tickle me each time. I was chortling a lot through Deadstream, even as it generates some successful jump scares and spookiness. It’s a hoot! Available on Shudder. Recommended.
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