The Beta Test
Movie Trailer
Release Date
November 5, 2021
Genre
Thriller, Comedy, Horror
Cast & Crew
- Jim Cummings as Jordan Hines
- Virginia Newcomb as Caroline Gates
- PJ McCabe as PJ Pruitt
- Kevin Changaris as Johnny
- Jessie Barr as Jaclyn
Directors
Jim Cummings, PJ McCabe
Other Movies Directors are Known For
- Thunder Road (2018) – Jim Cummings
- The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020) – Jim Cummings
Producers
Natalie Metzger, Matt Miller, Benjamin Wiessner, Jim Cummings, PJ McCabe
Writers
Jim Cummings, PJ McCabe
Budget
$250,000 (estimated)
Production Company
Vanishing Angle, Hantz Motion Pictures, Papaya Films
Running Time
93 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
NR (Not Rated) – likely R due to mature content
Content Advisory
- Strong language
- Sexual content
- Violence
- Psychological themes
Movie Story
“The Beta Test” is a dark, satirical thriller that explores the intersection of modern digital culture, infidelity, and the pressures of contemporary life. The film follows Jordan Hines (Jim Cummings), a Hollywood talent agent whose life spirals out of control after receiving a mysterious purple envelope inviting him to a no-strings-attached sexual encounter.
Initially intrigued and tempted, Jordan decides to indulge in the offer, but what starts as a seemingly harmless fling quickly turns into a nightmarish descent into paranoia, obsession, and self-destruction. As Jordan tries to unravel the mystery behind the envelope and the identity of his anonymous lover, he becomes increasingly unhinged, jeopardizing his relationship with his fiancée, Caroline (Virginia Newcomb), and his career.
The film blends elements of psychological thriller, horror, and dark comedy, as it critiques the superficiality of the entertainment industry and the dangers of living in a hyperconnected world where privacy is an illusion. As Jordan delves deeper into the mystery, the lines between reality and his paranoid delusions blur, leading to a tense and unsettling climax.
Jim Cummings, who co-directed and co-wrote the film with PJ McCabe, delivers a compelling performance as Jordan, capturing the character’s mounting anxiety and desperation. The film’s sharp writing and satirical edge make it both a thrilling and thought-provoking commentary on modern society’s obsession with status, technology, and instant gratification.
Special Effects
“The Beta Test” makes effective use of practical effects and atmospheric cinematography to heighten the tension and psychological horror of the story. The film’s visual style is sleek and modern, reflecting the polished yet hollow world that Jordan inhabits.
Box Office Performance
“The Beta Test” had a limited theatrical release and was made available on digital platforms. The film received positive reviews from critics and garnered a cult following for its unique blend of genre elements and its biting social commentary.
Filming Locations
- Los Angeles, California, USA
Notable Quotes
- “There’s no such thing as privacy anymore. We’re all exposed.” – Jordan Hines
- “Are you in control, or are you just pretending to be?” – PJ Pruitt
Behind-the-Scenes
Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe, who both directed, wrote, and starred in the film, are known for their collaborative approach and independent filmmaking style. The film was shot on a modest budget, with Cummings and McCabe leveraging their experience in indie film to create a polished final product that belies its limited resources.
Awards
- N/A
Final Verdict
“The Beta Test” is a sharp, darkly comedic thriller that offers a biting critique of the digital age and the pressures of modern life. With strong performances and a tense, unpredictable plot, the film is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and satirical commentary. Jim Cummings continues to establish himself as a unique voice in independent cinema, delivering a film that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
IMDb Rating
6.4/10