Dashcam

"Dashcam" is a thrilling, innovative horror film that premiered at Toronto International Film Festival in 2021. The movie features an unexpected blend of dark humor, suspense, and creative cinematography that sets it apart from traditional horror films.

The movie stars Annie Hardy, a musician who portrays a fictionalized version of herself. Hardy's character is an outgoing, boisterous, online entertainer who presents herself under the moniker "Bandcar." She broadcasts her daily life to her followers via a dashcam, which streams her anarchic antics, music improvisations, and amusing ramblings.

"Dashcam" unfolds against the backdrop of the global pandemic, a timely aspect that adds another layer of tension to the narrative. As Hardy navigates through the uncertainties of the world, her brash and impulsive character adds a raw, unpredictable edge to the plot.

"Dashcam" is directed by Rob Savage, who returns after making a name for himself through the 2020 hit, "Host". Instead of replicating the computer-screen documentary style of his previous success, Savage experiments with the handheld authenticity of an always-on dashcam. This stylistic choice makes the movie feel more intimate and grounded, allowing audiences to experience every frantic moment in real-time.

Amar Chadha-Patel plays Javed, a casual acquaintance of Hardy's who offers her a place to stay during her visit to London after her original plans fall through. Chadha-Patel brings a stabilizing presence to Hardy's wild energy, and their fragmented relationship allows some interesting interpersonal dynamics to unfold. Angela Enahoro also star in an equally important and gripping role, adding depth to the story.

Without giving anything away, the story takes an intense turn when Hardy's character decides to perform a gig in a seedy London neighborhood with Javed. The plot thereafter plays out within the claustrophobic confines of her car, with the dashcam capturing an escalating series of bizarre and terrifying events. The narrative plays around with reality and delusion, leaving viewers uncertain of what might be real and what is a product of Hardy’s imagination.

"Dashcam" is more than a horror film – it's a satirical social commentary and a reflection on our age of misinformation, mistrust, and fear. The unfolding news of the COVID-19 pandemic gives the story a surreal quality, mirroring the unpredictable nature of our global reality. The film also tackles cyber-colonialism, exploitation, and the complete breakdown of social order in a slyly satirical manner.

The movie is scored by Hardy herself, enhancing the mood and the insanity. The movie uses a seamless blend of real-time footage, heavily edited video, and cleverly integrated special effects to create a hauntingly realistic horror experience.

"Dashcam" takes the found-footage concept to a new level, exploiting every opportunity to develop tension, scare, and surprise the audience. The use of the dashcam as the filming medium offers a fresh view to the found-footage genre, as it captures the raw energy of the live-stream format that so many viewers worldwide have come to know.

Although Hardy's character can initially come across as unlikeable, her brash humor and refusal to accept conventional norms gradually grow on viewers. Hardy’s generously improvised dialogue, creating many of the film’s laughs, is an unexpected strength of the movie.

"Dashcam" might not be for everyone, especially those who are looking for traditional horror fare. However, for those who are willing to embrace its anarchic spirit and appreciate its audacious storytelling style, "Dashcam" proves to be a unique cinematic experience. With its distinctive approach, intriguing characterization, and its seamless blending of horror and humor, "Dashcam" is a creative experiment in the genre that definitely deserves your time.

"Dashcam" renews the modern horror genre, successfully using its budget limitations to its advantage. The movie's unflinchingly honest narrative, coupled with its unusual perspectives and intense moments, makes it compelling viewing. Exploring deeper social commentary intertwined with scary phenomena, "Dashcam" is an unforgettable cinematic experience that will leave you questioning the reliability of your own perception of reality.