The dopamine rush that comes with social media is second to none. The likes and interactions you gain from strangers on the internet have shaped modern society in ways no one could imagine. As social media and the personalities within only grow in popularity, it’s only inevitable the lines of basic respect are pushed to toxic levels. Travis Bible’s #ChadGetsTheAxe is another found footage descent into the life of social media influencers when in the face of the supernatural.
#ChadGetsTheAxe follows a group of social media influencers who take a trip down to Devils Manor, an old house with a dark satanic history. As the group make their way inside the devilish walls, it becomes immensely clear that they aren’t alone. Despite the sheer terror that awaits this group, the views come first and regardless of their potential deaths, the show must go on.
Part of the recent found footage resurgence has seen social media and its influencers become a particular target. In that sense, #ChadGetsTheAxe, unfortunately, suffers from a lack of anything new or fresh to offer in this little corner of the subgenre. Much of the film centres on the fake personalities each of the film’s influencer characters creates once the cameras begin rolling. Though they aren’t given too much to chew on in their roles, each member of the cast brings a strong energy to their character that keeps them engaging through the film’s short runtime. Steve (Michael Bonini) acts as the main character of sorts who slowly takes centre stage in the narrative over time as the horrors within Devil’s Manor begin to make themselves known.
One of the major issues that many found footage films face is how much downtime they contain before they get to the horrors they contain. Thankfully #ChadGetsTheAxe does an immensely strong job of crafting a story that’s extremely well-paced while working within its meagre budget. Though the film is unable to take some of the big swings others in the subgenre are able to, it thankfully gets by with a certain energy and passion which oozes into every scene. Making for a film that does a lot with so little.
#ChadGetsTheAxe suffers from a lack of Innovations and budget constraints make it feel a little bland in execution. However, there’s an undeniable charm that the film creates thanks to its energetic cast and quick pacing. It won’t blow the socks off anyone who has seen these more satirical found footage offerings but it will offer a good time for those willing to stomach some of its wider issues.
#chadgetstheaxe had its UK debut at Glasgow Frightfest 2023
