Spree

In the dark comedy-thriller film Spree, Ethan Hawkins, played by Joone, is a struggling rideshare driver who has become increasingly desirous of acquiring a significant social media following. In his mind, this online fame will not only validate his existence but also provide him with the sense of self-worth that he's been lacking. Ethan is convinced that his lives, and more importantly, his brutal murders, will catapult him to stardom. Ethan meticulously crafts a social media persona: @EpicDude. He becomes an avid and active poster, flooding the platforms with an assortment of content. His followers grow, but Ethan's dissatisfaction continues to grow, realizing that they're not as captivated by his posts as he'd hoped for. In desperation, he develops an audacious plan: he will brutally kill passengers with a hammer, live-stream the horrific events on social media, and subsequently gain the widespread notoriety he's yearned for. Ethan's meticulously crafted and calculated plan is put to the test as he begins targeting victims, each with different personalities and backgrounds. He carefully selects his prey, always staying in control and using the rideshare app to pinpoint and select potential targets. Ethan's goal is not merely to go viral but to establish a reputation for himself as a master manipulator of online platforms. As Ethan embarks on his deadly spree, he displays a twisted and methodical approach to his murders, always staying a step ahead of the authorities. However, with each execution, he becomes more erratic and his grip on reality begins to loosen. The police and other investigators struggle to link the seemingly random killings, while Ethan becomes convinced that he's on the cusp of achieving greatness. Ethan's social media personality, @EpicDude, becomes increasingly prominent on the platforms. He posts provocative and sadistic content, using it as a distraction for his true intentions. Ethan also starts to manipulate his followers, using their engagement and interactions to fuel his confidence and further justify his brutal actions. The online persona and his brutal actions become inextricably linked, as Ethan believes that this persona represents the "real" him. Spree takes place entirely from Ethan's perspective, presented through a series of social media posts and first-person footage that immerses the viewer into Ethan's warped worldview. Joone's performance, combined with Noah Land's direction and the cinematography, captures Ethan's maniacal persona, creating a sense of unease and discomfort that pervades the entire film. One of the standout aspects of Spree is its unflinching portrayal of Ethan's online behavior. The film shines a stark light on our obsession with social media and the lengths we'll go to in order to acquire and maintain an online presence. Ethan's actions are a warped mirror of our own, with his desperate attempts at stardom reflecting the darker aspects of our own digital personas. Throughout the film, there are moments of levity and humor, which often catches the viewer off guard. These moments provide a stark contrast to the extreme brutality of Ethan's actions, and serve as a reminder that this is, indeed, a dark comedy. The tone of Spree is often referred to as a "twee-flick," a style that juxtaposes morbid subject matter with a lighthearted tone, often resulting in a sense of unease. Ultimately, Spree is a gripping, unsettling, and uncomfortable film that forces the viewer to confront the darker aspects of social media and our digital presence. It raises essential questions regarding our willingness to tolerate violence and cruelty in the pursuit of fame, and serves as a timely commentary on the state of our society's values.