While
monitoring Internet traffic for the Department of Homeland Security, Agent
Martin Takagi comes across the intimate video chats of a couple, temporarily
living in different parts of the world, who begin to discover their new home is
haunted.
Starring:
Brady Smith, Sarena Khan, Tohoru Masamune, Laura Niles, and Sadie Ella Solomon
Written
and directed by: Matthew Solomon
Horror fans often complain that they
can't find anything original to watch. Some fans even complain about the parade
of found footage films over the past few years. Well what if I told you that
there is a film that is shot almost entirely through Skype. Yes, that's
right... Skype. Something original, and certainly different! You might have
some concerns about that, but I'm here to tell you not to worry about it.
"Chatter" follows David
(Brady Smith) and Laura (Sarena Khan), who are a couple trying to stay in touch
while being miles apart. David is trying to settle into their new house, while
Laura is away on business. They start off doing the typical things couples
might do on Skype like filling each other in on their daily activities, work,
and even squeeze in some personal romantic time.
Then the fun begins when David starts
hearing what he thinks is a child while trying to sleep. This starts a chain of
strange events that occur over the course of days. The drama builds as he
shares his concerns with Laura, and his best friend. The audience might think
that Skype would limit this story, but it doesn’t. There is plenty of back-story
that is revealed in conversions, and it brings more attention to why they are
being haunted.
Then there’s the added dimension of
Agent Martin Takagi (Tohoru Masamune) watching everything unfold. He plays
almost like another audience member except that he’s really in the film. While
he watches the couple and sees everything that is happening, the audience
watches anxiously to see if he will help the couple as things go from bad to
worse.
As for scares, it’s a little hard to
produce some jump scares because of the limits of the Skype screens. However,
they do an excellent job of creating some creepy scenes. There's always a
chance for a figure to appear in the background, or an object to start moving.
The tension definitely builds to an unexpected, and exciting ending. And just
when the audience thinks it’s all over, stay tuned for a bonus scene after the
ending credits!
A few years ago I had the privilege of
reviewing an excellent short film shot through Skype titled "Anna" by
Matthew Solomon. As good as that was, Matthew topped it with this full feature
version “Chatter.” The audience should have no worries that the movie is shot
primarily through Skype, as that makes the movie watching experience new, and
original. There’s a good story filled with many creepy moments. The built up
tension will have the audience worried about the fate of the couple, and if the
agent will ever come to their aid.
HorrO
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