New technology often breeds horror stories, out of fear of the unknown and social change. Whether it's using science to create abominable life in FRANKENSTEIN, the giant insects and monsters of the atomic age, or even dangers lurking in our media ala VIDEODROME or THE RING.
Now, I suppose, those goshdarn cellphones and all those apps kids these days are using have become our new technological boogeyman (admonishment of teens and the youth is also a classic horror mainstay, especially slashers). Needless to say, even though COUNTDOWN already exists, it seems inevitable at this point that "smartphone horror" would be become a sub-genre (especially with people honestly believing that 5G cell towers created the coronavirus).
So, with that in mind, comes the Italian indie YOU DIE about another evil app. Here's the synopsis:
Asia, a young student, finds an app on her phone. It looks like an augmented reality game, but soon she realizes it's much more than that. It's an app that connects to the world of the dead, which allows her to see ghosts through the camera of the phone. The timer starts counting down from 24 hours and Asia's insanely horrific experience begins. People around her struggle to believe her as she ends up facing this evil curse and fighting for her survival, all by herself.
I mean, it does look competently made at least, with some decent acting and make-up effects, but I still can't help but think about that scene in FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL about how ridiculous it is to be attacked by a haunted cellphone. But, I've always said execution is key, and anything can be scary if you put in enough effort, so this might actually be a surprise.
Meanwhile, if you're curious, YOU DIE will come to the states on digital and DVD May 12th.
So what do you guys think? Can apps make for a good horror premise? And would you download an app called "You Die"? Either way, sound off below!