We’re All Going to the World’s Fair

Movie Trailer

Release Date
April 15, 2022

Genre
Horror, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Anna Cobb as Casey
• Michael J. Rogers as JLB

Director
Jane Schoenbrun

Other Movies Director is Known For

• A Self-Induced Hallucination (2019) (Documentary)
• Producer for The Eyeslicer (2017) (TV Series)

Producer
Sarah Winshall, Carlos Zozaya, Daniel Patrick Carbone, Zachary Luke Kislevitz, Jane Schoenbrun

Writer
Jane Schoenbrun

Budget
Under $1 million

Production Company
Dweck Productions, Utopia, Flies Collective

Running Time
86 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
Not Rated (suggested rating: PG-13 for disturbing content, thematic elements, and brief strong language)

Content Advisory

• Disturbing themes
• Intense emotional content
• Brief strong language

Movie Story
We’re All Going to the World’s Fair is an unsettling exploration of isolation, identity, and the dark corners of the internet. The story follows Casey (Anna Cobb), a lonely teenager who becomes obsessed with an online horror challenge known as “The World’s Fair.” This viral internet game invites participants to document their experiences as they undergo a supposed transformation after taking the “World’s Fair Challenge.”

Casey records herself participating in the challenge, sharing her videos online as she begins to experience strange and eerie phenomena. As her videos become increasingly bizarre and detached from reality, the line between the game and Casey’s real life starts to blur. She finds herself descending into a disturbing, surreal world where the boundaries of identity and reality become increasingly unclear.

The only person who reaches out to her during this time is JLB (Michael J. Rogers), an enigmatic older man who communicates with Casey through the internet. JLB expresses concern for Casey, but his true intentions remain ambiguous, adding to the film’s tension and sense of unease.

As the story unfolds, We’re All Going to the World’s Fair delves into themes of loneliness, the search for identity, and the unsettling impact of the internet on vulnerable individuals. The film is a haunting and introspective journey, exploring how the online world can amplify fears and insecurities, and how the search for connection in the digital age can lead to dark and unpredictable places.

Special Effects
The film’s special effects are minimal and understated, relying more on atmosphere and psychological tension than on visual spectacle. The few effects used are primarily digital, enhancing the unsettling and surreal tone of the story. The film’s aesthetic is deliberately lo-fi, reflecting the DIY nature of internet culture and adding to the authenticity of Casey’s journey into the eerie world of the “World’s Fair.”

Box Office Performance
We’re All Going to the World’s Fair was released in a limited number of theaters and on streaming platforms. As a low-budget indie film, its box office performance was modest, but it garnered significant attention in the horror community and among fans of experimental cinema. The film received critical acclaim for its unique approach to horror and its exploration of contemporary themes, making it a notable entry in the genre.

Filming Locations

• Kingston, New York, USA

Notable Quotes

• “I want to go to the World’s Fair. I want to go to the World’s Fair.” – Casey
• “Do you feel different yet?” – JLB
• “I’m ready for the scariest thing.” – Casey

Behind-the-Scenes

• The film marks the feature debut of Anna Cobb, whose portrayal of Casey has been widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.
• Director Jane Schoenbrun drew on their own experiences with online communities and the feeling of isolation to create a deeply personal and haunting narrative.
• The film’s DIY aesthetic was a deliberate choice to capture the raw, unfiltered nature of internet culture, making it feel both intimate and unsettling.

Awards

• Gotham Awards: Nominated for Breakthrough Performer (Anna Cobb)
• Berlin International Film Festival: Nominated for Best First Feature
• IndieWire Critics Poll: Ranked among the best horror films of 2022

Final Verdict
We’re All Going to the World’s Fair is a haunting and introspective horror film that explores the dark side of internet culture and the psychological impact of online challenges. With a deeply unsettling atmosphere and a standout performance from Anna Cobb, the film offers a unique and thought-provoking take on the horror genre. Its lo-fi aesthetic and exploration of isolation and identity make it a compelling watch for fans of experimental and psychological horror. While it may not appeal to everyone, those looking for a horror film that challenges the conventions of the genre will find We’re All Going to the World’s Fair to be a chilling and unforgettable experience.

IMDb Rating
5.9/10