[SXSW 2022] 'Deadstream' Review: Youtuber Meets Ghost in this Horror Comedy

Last month at SXSW 2022 we had the chance to see Deadstream, which was picked up by Shudder just ahead of its festival run. The film stars Joseph Winter, alongside Melanie Stone (Scarlett), and Jason K. Wixom (The Parker Sessions). Besides starring in the film, Winter also co-wrote and co-directed the feature with Vanessa Winter.

Deadstream follows Ryan (Winter), a douchey 30 something “Social Media Star” is looking for a comeback after his latest prank landed him in hot water with fans and sponsors alike. Six months later he’s found a new sponsor and is ready to face his biggest “challenge” yet, a stay at a haunted house. Ryan heads to “Death Manor” a remote house said to have been inhabited by Mildred Pratt, the house’s first victim. Since her death the house has claimed even more souls, dun, dun, dunnn….

Okay, the set up is like a lot of other horror films, particularly of the found footage genre. But what this film does differently is it doesn’t take itself seriously, like at all. The movie is a ridiculous entry into comedic horror genre, filled with silliness and gore in a very fun way!

The filmmakers really take great care in making fun of the kind of social media personalities we’ve come to hate. Let’s be honest here, there are times where you actively root for the spirits in this house against Ryan. The satire doesn’t stop there, not only do they poke fun at the social media aspect, but of the found footage genre as well. As this film is meant to be a livestream of a haunted house exploration, the filmmakers use Ryan’s personality to introduce the film’s score at key elements of the film in a very unique way.

Aside from the comedy of this film, the goriness and makeup effects of the ghosts are very well done. A few of the ghosts in this film could go straight into a different film with no comedic aspect and fit in perfectly to terrorize your nightmares. Like most haunted house films the main character should know better than to trust anyone that happens to come along. Of course he doesn’t, otherwise we wouldn’t have a film to talk about. When you’re rooting for the ghosts in this film you get your fill of relentless beatings of Ryan. I mean who wouldn’t like to see a Social Media star get waterboarded by a bucket of their own piss?

As we said above, Deadstream held its World Premiere on the opening night of the 2022 South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) and ahead of that it was picked up by Shudder. Craig Engler, General Manager of Shudder, had this to say “DEADSTREAM is wickedly crowd pleasing, the rare horror comedy as frightening as it is funny. We’re thrilled to welcome Joseph and Vanessa Winter’s creative, creepy and relentless gem to Shudder.”

Particularly fans of movies like Army of The Dead will enjoy the over the top comedic aspects. Any fans of gore and well done practical effects makeup will enjoy this film as well. I have to say this film belongs on Shudder, and the pair of filmmakers seemed to feel the same way. “DEADSTREAM was a true collaboration from our small and dedicated crew, who took big swings with limited resources. We’re huge fans of Shudder’s wildly unique and exciting content and we couldn’t be happier to be partnering with them for the release of our film.”

While Deadstream was a lot of fun and will definitely satisfy your gore cravings, it is not without fault. The film can be a bit formulaic/predictable at times, and that may also be a part of the satirical nature. While it is a gory, horror comedy, it doesn’t quite hit the same level as a film like Tucker and Dale vs Evil does. But don’t let that keep you from watching this film, if you like horror comedy you will enjoy this film. 3.5/5

★★★★

Deadstream will be heading to Shudder sometime later this year. So stay tuned to ScaryNerd and we will keep you updated on all things horror, sci-fi, fantasy and everything in between.

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