Unfriended: Dark Web

Unfriended: Dark Web takes the social media horror genre into a darker realm, focusing on the treacherous corners of the internet. While it has some effective moments, it often feels repetitive and lacks depth.

Dark Web Dilemmas

The film centers around Matias O'Brien, played by Colin Woodell, who discovers a trove of unsettling files on a newly acquired laptop. Unbeknownst to him and his friends, they've stumbled into a dangerous situation involving the dark web, where a malevolent entity watches their every move. As the friends attempt to enjoy a game night via video chat, they unravel the sinister truth about the files and the lengths someone will go to protect their secrets. The tension escalates as their lives hang in the balance, leading to shocking revelations and a race against time.

Characters in Crisis

Colin Woodell's portrayal of Matias brings a relatable, anxious energy to the character, while Betty Gabriel’s performance as Nari adds a layer of emotional depth to the group dynamic. However, some characters feel underdeveloped, leading to a lack of connection with the audience. Connor Del Rio as Aj has some memorable moments, but his character risks falling into the tropes of the genre. The ensemble does a solid job of conveying the tension, but more character exploration could have made the stakes feel even higher.

Screenlife Style Choices

Directed by Stephen Susco, the film utilizes a unique screenlife format, showcasing everything through computer screens and webcams. This choice effectively immerses the audience in the digital landscape, contributing to a sense of immediacy and urgency. The editing can be frantic, echoing the characters’ panic, but it also leads to moments of confusion that may detract from the story. Visually, it captures the aesthetic of online interactions well, though it struggles with pacing at times, affecting the overall tension.

Anxiety and Dread

As you watch Unfriended: Dark Web, there's a palpable sense of dread that builds as the reality of the characters’ situation becomes clearer. The film successfully evokes anxiety about being watched and the perils of the internet. Yet, there are moments where the emotional weight feels diluted due to the film's reliance on jump scares rather than sustained tension. While it effectively portrays fear in the digital age, some viewers may find themselves craving deeper emotional engagement with the characters and their plight.