Friended To Death

Friended to Death is a 2014 film directed and written by Sarah Smick who made her directorial debut with this film. The film showcases the comedic brilliance of Ryan Hansen, known for his loveable yet comical persona in Veronica Mars, aided splendidly by the performances of James Immekus of Once Upon a Time fame, and the ever-versatile Zach McGowan.

Ryan Hansen plays the lead role of Michael Harris, a conceited and self-absorbed parking enforcement officer (meter man) in Los Angeles, who personifies the darker side of social media. Obsessed with social media and riddled with a unique blend of narcissism, Michael is fixated on his Facebook persona, totally absorbed in the shallow engagements of the virtual world rather than the physical. His work ethic clearly reflects these aspects of his personality as his main ambitions in life seem to revolve around Facebook likes, comments and being the center of attention on social media.

The plot thickens when Michael, convinced that his real-life friends aren’t giving him the attention he craves, hatches a not-so-brilliant plan to win back his relevancy. Amidst joking around with his split-personality best friend, Emile, played by James Immekus, Michael drafts his own social media death. He decides he will fake his own death on Facebook, just to see how many people would mourn him, and more importantly, to gain more popularity.

However, in this superficial quest for validation, he drags his begrudging co-worker Emile into the scheme. Emile is the absolute opposite of Michael. He is genuine, earnest, and not at all attracted to the fallacies of social media admiration. Yet, this unlikely pair together maneuvers through the outrageous plan, navigating social media responses while setting up their own phony memorial service.

What ensues is a whirlwind of comic antics, enigmatic situations, and witty dialogues that explore the depth of their friendship, actuality of human connections, and the genuine cost of social media obsession. Zach McGowan contributes to this chaos by portraying a character that brings an additional level of absurdity to the twisted plot.

Thematically, Friended to Death broaches the increasingly common obsession with digital validation and our collective consciousness about social media’s hold on today’s society. The movie brilliantly uses comedy as a tool to expose regrettable human behavior in the current age of social media, provoking the audience to reflect on their virtual habits and how it affects their real-world relationships.

While the movie radiates an alluring sense of humor, it doesn’t discount on insightful commentaries about friendship and human relationships. It forces viewers to question the sincerity of friendships in this digital age, where the number of friends or followers on social media is sometimes falsely equated with popularity and self-worth.

In terms of the craft, the witty script penned by Smick and Ian Michaels is filled with ludicrous humor and intense moments that captivate the viewer’s attention. The cinematography, editing, and overall narrative style contribute to making this dark comedy not only engaging but also thought-provoking. Each character, despite their quirks and faults, manages to resonate relatably with the audience, thanks to the believable portrayals by the actors.

Friended to Death is enriched with a mirthful take on our contemporary culture's social networking obsession. The film’s premise, although comically exaggerated, echoes a reality, making it a significant watch, especially for those deeply immersed in the virtual world. So, if you are a fan of both comedy that sparks thought and relatable social commentaries, then this movie is absolutely worth exploring.

In summary, Friended to Death is a gripping blend of comedy, absurdity, and introspection on human connection, making it a trendy satirical take on the digital age. It’s a film that goes beyond its humor to cast a critical look at our society’s social media obsession and its distortion of genuine relationships, all while providing an entertaining ride throughout.