Spree
Movie Trailer
Release Date
August 14, 2020
Genre
Thriller, Comedy, Horror
Cast & Crew
- Joe Keery as Kurt Kunkle
- Sasheer Zamata as Jessie Adams
- David Arquette as Kris Kunkle
- Kyle Mooney as Miles Manderville
- Mischa Barton as London Sachs
- Frankie Grande as Richard Venti
- Lala Kent as Kendra Sheraton
Director
Eugene Kotlyarenko
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Wobble Palace (2018)
- A Wonderful Cloud (2015)
Producer
- Eugene Kotlyarenko
- Matthew Budman
- Sumaiya Kaveh
- John H. Lang
Writer
- Eugene Kotlyarenko
- Gene McHugh
Budget
Estimated at $2 million
Production Company
- Dreamcrew Entertainment
- Forest Hill Entertainment
- Supermarché
Running Time
93 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Graphic violence
- Language
- Drug use
- Disturbing content
Movie Story
“Spree” is a darkly comedic thriller that follows the story of Kurt Kunkle (Joe Keery), a rideshare driver who is desperate to become a social media sensation. Kurt has been posting content online for years but has failed to gain any significant following. Frustrated and obsessed with achieving viral fame, Kurt devises a chilling plan to achieve notoriety: he rigs his car with cameras and livestreams a killing spree while driving passengers around Los Angeles.
Kurt’s plan is to document his actions in real-time, using a series of hashtags and social media tricks to attract viewers and gain followers. As he picks up passengers, he subjects them to increasingly dangerous and violent situations, all while narrating his actions for his online audience. Despite the shocking nature of his crimes, Kurt’s livestream struggles to gain traction, driving him to escalate his actions in more extreme ways.
As the night progresses, Kurt crosses paths with Jessie Adams (Sasheer Zamata), a stand-up comedian with a substantial online following who inadvertently becomes involved in Kurt’s twisted quest for fame. Jessie quickly realizes the danger she is in and must outsmart Kurt to survive the night.
“Spree” is a satirical take on the modern obsession with social media, fame, and the lengths some people will go to achieve viral success. The film critiques the desensitization of online audiences and the blurred lines between reality and performance in the digital age. Joe Keery delivers a chilling yet darkly humorous performance as Kurt, capturing the character’s desperation and delusional belief in his own stardom.
Special Effects
The film makes heavy use of found footage and livestream-style cinematography, with much of the action seen through the cameras Kurt has installed in his car. This approach creates an immersive, first-person perspective that places the audience directly in the middle of Kurt’s disturbing journey. The special effects used to depict the violence are graphic and intense, heightening the film’s horror elements while maintaining its darkly comedic tone.
Box Office Performance
“Spree” was released in select theaters and on video-on-demand platforms, which limited its box office performance. The film received mixed to positive reviews, with particular praise for Joe Keery’s performance and the film’s satirical take on social media culture. Critics highlighted the film’s unique approach to storytelling and its timely themes, though some found its tone inconsistent. Despite its modest box office impact, “Spree” developed a cult following, particularly among fans of horror-comedy.
Filming Locations
- Los Angeles, California, USA
Notable Quotes
- “If you’re not documenting yourself, you don’t exist.” – Kurt Kunkle
- “This is my legacy, my masterpiece. I’m giving you a front-row seat to history.” – Kurt Kunkle
Behind-the-Scenes
Director Eugene Kotlyarenko sought to create a film that would comment on the dangers of social media obsession and the quest for fame in the digital age. Joe Keery’s portrayal of Kurt Kunkle was central to the film’s success, as Keery brought both humor and menace to the role. The use of real social media platforms and livestream elements added authenticity to the film, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
Awards
- None, though Joe Keery’s performance was widely praised and contributed to the film’s cult status.
Final Verdict
“Spree” is a darkly entertaining and unsettling film that offers a sharp critique of social media culture and the thirst for online fame. Joe Keery’s performance as the unhinged Kurt Kunkle is a standout, balancing humor with horror in a way that keeps the audience engaged throughout. While the film’s tone may not appeal to everyone, its unique approach to storytelling and its timely themes make it a compelling watch for fans of horror-comedy and social commentary.
IMDb Rating
5.9/10