Deadstream is more than a movie for those that enjoy Youtube, Twitch, or like a bit of ghosthunting to round out their day. It’s a movie for those that want a good laugh, need something ridiculous, but that want to toe the line of reality TV becoming an actual reality. That’s why we enjoyed Deadstream when it premiered on SXSW. And it’s absolutely the reason why Shudder already bought the movie to stream on their service before it even premiered.
This movie comes from the talented minds of Joseph Winter and Vanessa Winter. They directed and wrote the movie with Joseph himself playing the lead of Shawn Ruddy; the disgraced internet personality who decides his big comeback is about to happen thanks to a haunted house he plans to conquer. What he doesn’t know is that the house holds a vengeful spirit that he manages to A) release and B) piss off royally. And his battle to survive the house and the spirit are equal parts hilarious and horror movie worthy.
Honestly, the most surprising part of this movie is how much we laughed. Because Deadstream isn’t meant to be super serious. Yes, Shawn goes through a journey of self discovery that helps him figure out who he is. And yes, those bits matter and make the movie richer because of it. But the part that really stood out is how many moments we laughed and went, “Yeah, I’d do the same thing in his shoes.” Because we would run, hide, and go, “Yeah, fuck this place. I’m out because a ghost/entity just bit me.”
By no means is this movie perfect. It’s cheesy, has moments that make you feel like you’re experiencing second-hand embarrassment over and over again, and there definitely might be a potato gun involved. But that doesn’t equate to everything this movie is nor should it. If anything, it enhances the experience and leaves you wondering what the hell you just watched while acknowledging that, “No, that wasn’t a waste of time. Nothing is a waste of time when you’re enjoying yourself.”
Finally, the lesson of Deadstream, because every movie (even a cheesy one) has a lesson. And it’s not what you’d expect. The lesson is to go out there and create. Don’t wait for others to tell you what to do or how to do it. Create something weird. Create something fun. And for all you know it could one day end up at SXSW and being bought by a streaming service even before it premieres. Because if the creative minds behind this movie can do it, so can you. So, make those dreams come true and try. You’ve got this.
Deadstream is set to be released on Shudder.
