Dashcam
Movie Trailer
Release Date
June 3, 2022
Genre
Horror, Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Annie Hardy as Annie
- Amar Chadha-Patel as Stretch
- Angela Enahoro as Angela
- Seylan Baxter as Woman in the Woods
- James Swanton as The Stranger
Director
Rob Savage
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Host (2020)
- Dawn of the Deaf (2016) (Short Film)
- Salt (2017) (Short Film)
Producer
Jason Blum, Douglas Cox, Rob Savage
Writer
Rob Savage, Gemma Hurley, Jed Shepherd
Budget
$1 million (estimated)
Production Company
Blumhouse Productions, Shadowhouse Films
Running Time
77 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong language
- Graphic violence
- Intense horror sequences
Movie Story
Dashcam is a found-footage horror film that follows Annie, an abrasive and controversial live-streamer who decides to leave the U.S. and visit her friend Stretch in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. Known for her chaotic and confrontational online persona, Annie soon finds herself in a terrifying situation when a simple night out turns into a nightmarish ordeal.
The story kicks off when Annie, bored and looking for trouble, steals Stretch’s car and embarks on a reckless live-streaming adventure through the deserted streets of London. However, her antics take a dark turn when she picks up Angela, an elderly and seemingly distressed woman, from a mysterious location. What starts as a chaotic joyride quickly spirals into a horrific journey as Annie realizes that Angela is not what she seems.
As the night unfolds, Annie is thrust into a series of increasingly bizarre and terrifying encounters, all captured on her dashcam and live-streamed to her audience. The film employs a found-footage style, with the majority of the action taking place through the lens of Annie’s phone and the car’s dashcam, creating a visceral and immersive experience.
Dashcam explores themes of isolation, fear, and the dangers of social media in the age of live streaming. The film’s frenetic pacing, combined with Annie’s unpredictable behavior, keeps the audience on edge, unsure of what might happen next. The line between reality and horror blurs as the supernatural elements of the story come to the forefront, leading to a terrifying and chaotic climax.
Special Effects
The film’s special effects are practical and gritty, designed to enhance the found-footage style and add to the sense of realism. The effects are used to create shocking and disturbing visuals, particularly during the intense horror sequences. The minimal use of CGI helps maintain the authenticity of the live-streaming format, making the supernatural elements feel more immediate and terrifying.
Box Office Performance
Dashcam had a limited theatrical release and was also available on streaming platforms. The film received a mixed response from critics and audiences, with some praising its originality and intensity, while others were put off by the protagonist’s polarizing character. However, it garnered attention within the horror community for its unique approach and found-footage style, especially given the success of director Rob Savage’s previous film Host.
Filming Locations
- London, England, UK
Notable Quotes
- “This is gonna be a night to remember… or maybe forget.” – Annie
- “You have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into.” – Angela
Behind-the-Scenes
Director Rob Savage, who gained attention for his 2020 horror film Host, aimed to push the boundaries of the found-footage genre with Dashcam. The film was shot during the COVID-19 pandemic, which influenced both its setting and narrative. Annie Hardy, who plays a heightened version of herself, brought a raw and unfiltered energy to the film, making her character both compelling and divisive. The decision to use real-time live-streaming techniques added to the film’s authenticity and tension.
Awards
- No notable awards.
Final Verdict
Dashcam is a polarizing yet innovative entry into the found-footage horror genre. It delivers a chaotic and intense viewing experience, driven by its unfiltered protagonist and the relentless pace of the narrative. While the film’s abrasive lead character and frenetic style may not appeal to all viewers, it’s a must-watch for fans of experimental horror and those interested in how the genre can be adapted to reflect contemporary issues like social media and the pandemic. The film’s mix of horror, dark humor, and real-time tension makes it a unique and unforgettable ride.
IMDb Rating
4.9/10