Review: Death of a Vlogger
Digital: Death of a Vlogger (2019)
Graham (played by writer/director Graham Hughes) is a vlogger whose online channel mostly consists of him mucking around with his friends. Then one day while recoding a monologue in front of his laptop, his mug by the side of it suddenly moves across the table for no apparent reason.
This small event is just the beginning of a series of unexplained happenings that bewilder, and begin to scare, both him and his partner Erin (Annabel Logan).
Despite their rising fear, they begin to see how these events can popularise Grahams vlogging channel and could be used to help gain fame and fortune. Enter Steve (Paddy Kondracki); a “ghost hunter” whose knowledge and fame on the subject is 2nd to none…at least it is in his own head.
Steve suggests live-streaming (via a 360 degrees camera) a séance, which despite not going as planned, ensures even more online viewers and attention.
It is here that the events twist and turn even more, leaving the viewer not only unsure what is real, but also who is real. To give anymore away would be to spoil it.
Graham Hughes does a great job of crafting an enjoyable, entertaining, and even at times quite scary, mockumentary that surpasses many others that I have seen recently. Using his low budget to his advantage and keeping things as simple as possible (even to using his own flat as…his own flat), it is the performances of all involved that drew me into the story and kept me locked there throughout its entire running time.
As well as some genuinely creepy moments, there are also laughs and some social commentary about internet anonymity, online “fame”, and how social media can be used both positively and negatively.
Death of a Vlogger shows that you don’t need a big budget, expansive locations, or an overabundance of CGI effects to make an engaging and scary movie. All that is needed is a good imagination, engaging actors, and an idea that you commit to and film with obvious enthusiasm.
If you enjoy indie films, then turn out the lights, turn on Death of a Vlogger…and keep a close eye on that mug in front of you.
Released on digital in the UK on Monday 6th July 2020.
Review by Dave from an online screening link kindly supplied by 101 Films.
