Dashcam is the second film from the creator of Host, Rob Savage. Host was one of the most innovative and genuinely frightening films I’ve seen in a while, not to mention the fact that it was filmed entirely in lockdown. I was so excited to view his sophomore effort in Dashcam. And…I could not have been more disappointed.
I am a huge fan of found-footage horror. It’s not for everyone though. The Blair Witch Project, the original REC, Hell House LLC, Host, Lake Mungo, etc. are all brilliant found footage horror films. Unfortunately, Dashcam does not even come close to the films I just mentioned.
Dashcam‘s premise focuses on a vlogger named Annie Hardy (played by the real-life musician of the same name). At least I HOPE she is playing a part. Because Annie’s MAGA hat wearing, anti-vaccine, anti-mask obnoxiousness is the scariest part of this film. Anyhow, Annie hosts the online channel “Band Car” which claims to be the #1 improvised internet music show from a moving vehicle. Interactive viewers are encouraged to leave words from which Annie can freestyle rap. And she does. A lot. We get to view the comments from Annie’s fans in the “chat” feature which is constantly scrolling (when available) , and those are distracting and relatable at the same time.
Bored with her life in L.A., understandably, Annie decides that she should spontaneously fly to London to visit her ex-bandmate, and current delivery driver Stretch (Amar Chadha-Patel). However, it turns out that Stretch is NOT expecting Annie’s visit and when Annie finds a key to his home and sneaks in to surprise him….he and his live-in partner (Jemma Moore) are not impressed.
During an argument between Stretch and Jemma, Annie decides their negativity towards her justifies her stealing their car (it doesn’t). Annie drives off into the night with Stretch’s phone, constantly vlogging, and decides to accept a delivery order on his behalf you know, just to be cool.
Annie arrives at the chip shop that sent the delivery order, and it seems abandoned. However, the owner eventually shows up out of nowhere and asks Annie to transport an elderly woman named “Angela” to a specific address in return for a large amount of money. Annie, resistant at first, agrees because she needs the money. Angela turns out to be WAY more than she seems.
From this point on, Dashcam swerves into a film based on cheap jump-scares, bodily fluids (I wish it were just blood), and spookily unnecessary settings. Dashcam borrows heavily from the FPV flashlight in the woods scenes from The Blair Witch Project. We also visit a wonderfully creepy abandoned amusement park, but just for jump-scares. It’s fun, but doesn’t further the plot or characters whatsoever.
I want to recommend Dashcam, but I can’t with a good conscious. If you love predictable jump-scares, unique swearing, an irritating protagonist, waaayyy too many bodily fluids, and creative freestyle rapping, then this may be the perfect film for you. I hope it’s not though. If you haven’t, watch Host instead.
Score
I want to recommend Dashcam, but I can't with a good conscious. If you love predictable jump-scares, unique swearing, an irritating protagonist, waaayyy too many bodily fluids, and creative freestyle rapping, then this may be the perfect film for you. I hope it's not though. If you haven't, watch Host instead.