Bold, outrageous, and utterly enthralling, DASHCAM takes its audience on a wild ride of horror and mayhem. Rob Savage, known for his hit lockdown horror Host, returns with a devilishly mischievous film that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. Collaborating with co-writers and producers Gemma Hurley and Jed Shepherd, Savage has once again proven his prowess as a masterful filmmaker in the British cinema landscape.
An Annie Like No Other
At the heart of DASHCAM lies its enigmatic central figure, Annie Hardy. Starring as a heightened version of her provocative self, the former Giant Drag musician’s creative input played an instrumental role in shaping the film. The brilliance of DASHCAM lies in its unique presentation—like its predecessor Host, the film adopts a distinctive approach. Presented as a Periscope livestream of Hardy’s real-life internet show ‘Band Car,’ the film takes audiences on a thrilling ride of improvised music broadcast from a moving vehicle. However, this is no ordinary livestream; Annie’s character embodies an outspoken anti-masker with a MAGA hat, devoid of personal boundaries, thrusting viewers into a chaotic world.
Horror Meets Reality
At first glance, DASHCAM might seem like a harder sell than Host, but it quickly proves its worth. Annie, the character, simultaneously captivates and repulses, daring viewers not to be entertained by her foul-mouthed improvs and offbeat wit. Before the horror elements kick in, the film mesmerizes with everyday carnage as Annie interacts with her followers. The authentic Periscope-style presentation, complete with chat-stream commentary and reaction emojis, adds a layer of immersive realism, effectively drawing audiences into Annie’s provocative universe.
Unleashing Hell on Wheels
As the film progresses, Savage wastes no time in cranking up the intensity. When Annie unwittingly takes charge of an ill, elderly woman portrayed with exceptional flair by Angela Enahoro, DASHCAM spirals into a hellish frenzy of terror. Brace yourself for shocking moments, including snapped limbs, decapitations, and a visceral onslaught of bodily fluids. Filmed entirely on an iPhone, the frenetic camerawork enhances the adrenaline-fueled chaos, while Savage skillfully maintains precise control in delivering perfectly timed jolts.
A Cinematic Rollercoaster
In the midst of the horror, DASHCAM manages to strike a fine balance, weaving genuine warmth into the tumultuous friendship between Annie and Stretch. Yet, the film’s relentless energy doesn’t leave much time for contemplation. Viewed with an audience, DASHCAM becomes an electrifying blast of punky, Sam Raimi-esque cinematic brilliance. It’s an audacious amalgamation of Evil Dead II, The Blair Witch Project, and Jackass: The Movie, doling out shocks and surprises like custard pies to the face.
A Wild Journey Not For The Faint-Hearted
As the thrilling 77-minute runtime (or 65 minutes, minus the captivating credits) comes to an end, viewers will feel as though they’ve been spun in a centrifuge—a thrilling experience in every sense. Although DASHCAM might not be everyone’s cup of tea, Rob Savage, Gemma Hurley, and Jed Shepherd have undoubtedly crafted another extraordinary cinematic adventure. So gather your friends, brace yourself, and prepare for a wild, electrifying ride into the heart of horror punk madness. Strap in tight, because DASHCAM is a rollercoaster not for the faint-hearted.
