Come Play

Come Play is a 2020 American horror film written and directed by Jacob Chase. This suspense-filled movie strategically uses the elements of fear and unknown to weave an intricate storyline that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll. The film features talented actors like Azhy Robertson, Gillian Jacobs, and John Gallagher Jr., who bring depth and nuance to their performance, making the narrative more engaging.

Azhy Robertson plays the character of a young autistic boy, Oliver, who is at the center of the story. Oliver struggles with social interactions and communicates primarily through his smartphone and tablet. He lives with his loving yet emotionally strained parents, Sarah (Gillian Jacobs) and Marty (John Gallagher Jr.). The couple is at the brink of separation yet worrying about Oliver's well being brings them together time and again.

As Oliver navigates through his routine life marked by his efforts to fit in, he comes across a mysterious creature, Larry, that is peculiarly persistent. Larry, who wants to be friends, is not an ordinary friend you’d expect for a child. He belongs to the realm of the unknown, presenting himself through mobile devices. Computers, tablets, smartphones form Larry's portals from his sinister world to ours. Seemingly latched onto Oliver's loneliness and isolation, Larry tries to make a connection. He starts haunting Oliver, causing disturbances not only in his life, but also sending ripples through Sarah and Marty's lives.

Gillian Jacobs as Sarah, the concerned mother, delivers an enthralling performance. She embodies a fear that is likely inherent in every parent who fears for their child's security and is ready to go to any lengths to protect them. John Gallagher Jr., on the other hand, portrays Marty, who is temporarily separated from Sarah and trying to make his relationship with his son work. Gallagher plays the intricate role of the trying-to-fit-in father with grace, making the viewers ride along with his character's complexes and dileases.

Despite Larry’s frightening presence, Come Play pivots itself as a movie that focuses more on the emotional bond of connection. It explores the theme of loneliness, the consequences of being an outsider, and most significantly, how technology can fill that void with consequences few could imagine. The movie is laden with themes that resonate with the contemporary digital age - where screens often act as comforting companions.

Jacob Chase's direction is significant in creating a scary, almost nerve-wracking atmosphere, with appropriately timed jump scares and creepy sound effects that enhance the chills. The director makes creative use of lighting and shadow play to strike a balance between showing and suggesting. His use of technology as a conduit for the paranormal adds a fresh spin to the traditional horror genre. The intense, suspense-filled screenplay keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats and manages to bring in a fresh visual perspective.

One of the distinctive aspects of Come Play is the portrayal of a child with autism. The viewers watch the world through Oliver's eyes, experiencing his struggles, his desires, and his shyness. This sensitivity towards a real-world issue woven effectively within a horror film framework stands as a testament to the director's versatility.

The strength of Come Play lies in its combination of horror elements with a moving story about a family dealing with their son's autism. It shocks viewers with its scary sequences. Still, it also touches their hearts with the emotional complexities of a disjointed family trying to connect with their special child.

In conclusion, Come Play offers a unique blend of horror and emotion that takes the audience on an unforgettable journey. Its mix of frightening elements with heartfelt performances by an ensemble cast makes it a standout in the realm of contemporary horror films. It invites you to look beyond the fear and embrace the otherwise overlooked emotional undertones of a genre known primarily for its element of terror. The movie is a must-watch for those who like horror films with depth. The brilliant performances, coupled with a compelling storyline, make it a spellbinding experience.