Influencer Horror is an acquired taste. You’re either gonna love seeing the worst kinds of people get killed or be so repulsed by obnoxious content creators that you completely check out. There’s rarely an in-between. Writer/director George Henry Horton pulls out all the campy stops with Strawstalker, fitting somewhere among some of the best modern influencer found footage offerings such as Adam Meilech’s Content, Kyle Tague’s Don’t Peek, and Victor Soares’ Livestream. Horton, who also stars as Henry, one half of an influencer couple, understands what makes horror work in the digital age. He mingles real scares in with the goofiness of a scarecrow stalking people in LA. Silly, right?
The wrap-around story, starring Vincent Ranola as Sandy, a playboy streamer with a channel called Finance Flirt, gives context to what you’re about to see. He’s edited and scored the footage, and he’s also seen as an Uber driver, despite claims he’s rolling in millions. The film within a film centers around Henry and Haley (Branika Scott) when they make the leap from Texas to the City of Angels. They’re ambitious and always on the hunt for their next viral escapade. Their new rental comes with an expansive backyard, great for cookouts and gatherings, and a lavish rectangular pool. They seem to have it all, and their relationship has never been stronger.
While filming some candid footage, Haley notices a scarecrow lurking behind a hedge in their backyard. It’s innocuous at first, but when Henry and Haley discover the scarecrow in different positions, it’s evident that something malevolent is afoot. Or, perhaps, it’s just some disgruntled neighbor who doesn’t take too kindly to influencers moving in next door. As the scarecrow’s antics escalate, it only feeds their paranoia and fear that they are being watched by something that it’s human.
George Henry Horton always winks at the audience. Strawstalker isn’t to be taken seriously, yet there are plenty of frights to be had. Anything that resembles a mannequin moving on its own is always terrifying. Just ask the Hell House LLC series. While the film isn’t nearly as toothy as Livestream or as much of a romp as this year’s Demonetize, Strawstalker remains a damn fun popcorn flick worth checking out on a cozy Friday night.
Offering a glimpse into cycles of content and how seeking constant validation plays into our everyday lives, Strawstalker places its worth in the hands of Horton and Scott. Their committed chemistry serves as the driving force behind the story. It’s easy to fall in love with them, making it all the more tragic when things go off the rails in the third act. George Henry Horton eventually expands the narrative, keeping the cards close to the vest until the time is exactly right. It’s not reinventing anything. It’s just a campy time. And sometimes, that’s all we need.
Strawstalker is out now on VOD.
sink. your. teeth.
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