Deadstream is a 2022 horror comedy that manages to twist the found footage formula into something uniquely chaotic, terrifying, and darkly funny. Directed and written by Joseph and Vanessa Winter, the film follows Shawn Ruddy, a disgraced internet personality who is desperate to reclaim his audience. In an attempt to stage the ultimate comeback, Shawn decides to livestream his night alone in a supposedly haunted house. What starts as a reckless stunt quickly unravels into a nightmare that is both hilarious and horrifying.
The film thrives on its blend of satire and scares. Shawn is obnoxious, self centered, and painfully desperate for attention, making him both irritating and oddly compelling. His over the top personality drives much of the humor, but when the supernatural elements begin to surface, the comedy shifts into sheer panic. The clever writing ensures that the audience never forgets they are watching a livestream, complete with awkward pauses, exaggerated reactions, and chaotic camera work that enhances the realism of the experience.
What makes Deadstream stand out is its commitment to practical effects and inventive scares. The spirits haunting the house are grotesque, unpredictable, and genuinely unsettling, yet the absurdity of Shawn’s attempts to deal with them keeps the tone balanced between horror and comedy. Instead of leaning on digital effects, the film embraces a gritty, tactile style that recalls the best of low budget horror while still feeling fresh.
At its core, Deadstream is more than a ghost story. It is a sharp commentary on influencer culture, obsession with online validation, and the extremes people will go to for fleeting attention. By making its protagonist both laughably pitiful and oddly relatable, the film ensures the audience is entertained even as the chaos spirals out of control. Deadstream is a wild, unnerving, and wildly original addition to modern horror.
