Unfriended

Unfriended is a 2014 American supernatural horror film written by Raimond Govaers and directed by Levan Gabriadze. The film is presented in a unique way, using a laptop screen as the main frame of the story. It follows six high school friends - Laura Barns (Heather Sallazar), Matt Edgerton (Matthew Boylan), Ken Smith (Morgan Peter Brown), Jess Muncy (Brittany Bliss Smith), Alex Nelson (Matthew Glave), and Blaire Lily (Shelley Hennig) - as they engage in a group video chat on Skype one fateful night. The friends are all connected except for Matt, who is attending an in-person party. They catch up with each other, reminiscing about their summer break and discussing their current relationships. However, things take a turn when a disturbing message appears on the screen, claiming to be from Laura Barns, a classmate who died in a tragic accident exactly one year ago. Initially, they dismiss this as a prank, believing it's just a bored classmate trying to get their attention. However, as the night wears on, Laura's messages become increasingly threatening and sinister. The friends start to receive messages on Skype from Laura's account, revealing their darkest secrets and making them feel uneasy. The tone begins to shift from light-hearted chatter to an atmosphere of tension and unease. It becomes clear that Laura is not just any ordinary classmate; she's a digital manifestation with a vengeful spirit. The message is no longer from a prankster, but from beyond the grave, with a malevolent force intent on causing chaos and retribution. As the night continues, Matt starts receiving frantic Skype messages from his friends, warning him that something is terribly wrong. Panicked, he rushes home to join the group, only to find them being bombarded by a relentless series of Skype messages and disturbing videos. The group's dynamics begin to crumble as the truth about each of their darkest secrets becomes exposed. This creates division and tension, making them question their relationships and the reasons why their friends would want to harm them. It also becomes clear that the supernatural force behind this is not just targeting any one person, but rather is driven by the group's collective guilt and trauma. One of the pivotal scenes of the film is when Blaire discovers a disturbing video taken by Laura before she killed herself. The footage reveals that Laura had been recording her classmates making derogatory and bullying comments behind her back. This revelation sparks an unsettling debate, making each character question their role in Laura's death. The tension reaches its boiling point when the camera switches to the outside perspective of the house, showing a dark figure lurking in the shadows. However, it remains unclear throughout the film whether this is a metaphor or the actual force driving the attacks on the group. While the plot of Unfriended unfolds at an alarming pace, there are many questions left unanswered. The film leaves a lasting impact, making viewers ponder the nature of guilt, trauma, and retribution. It raises questions about how a seemingly innocuous platform can turn against its users and the ways in which technology can manipulate and exacerbate negative emotions. In a bold move for a horror film, the climax is both gruesome and haunting. As each member of the group meets their demise, it becomes clear that the spirit driving these attacks is a twisted manifestation of collective guilt. The film's final scene is particularly chilling as it suggests that there are many dark secrets lurking within the digital realm, just waiting to unleash their destruction. Ultimately, Unfriended offers a thought-provoking exploration of guilt, trauma, and technology. The film skillfully crafts a haunting and unnerving atmosphere, making it a must-watch for horror fans. Its exploration of the consequences of our digital actions and the darkness lurking within the digital realm remains a chilling reminder of the horrors that technology can unleash when used as a tool for revenge.