Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Shook’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Something that a great deal of us can agree upon, is the sheer fact that social media has changed a great deal of our lives. For it has allowed for us to connect with old friends and catch up after years of silence. Plus, it’s allowed for us to meet new people and forge new connections and it has also allowed for people that have always wanted to say something profound, a platform to do so, giving rise to a new breed to relatable stars and commentators that speak their mind in a dynamic and fascinating manner. But while there are a lot of benefits that accompany the use of social media, we would be foolish to not point out that it definitely has its drawbacks as well, the kind that extend well beyond its ability to simply suck up a fair chunk of our time.
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Because sadly, some people use the safety of hiding behind a screen to spew hate and other vitriol, and of course it’s given rise to all kinds of misinformation. Since anyone can proclaim themselves to be an ‘expert’ on a topic and spend their days lying to people online. Plus, the power of social media has also given rise to the vapid influencer. Who are people that create perfect little lives online and use that façade to give themselves a spotlight. But what’s truly fascinating about social media these days, is that people are starting to fight back against the stupid stuff and demand better of their online experience and thankfully, while this has been testy at times, people haven’t made a point of getting violent with someone who constantly posts pictures of their fifth beach vacation this week. But what if someone did? What if someone finally snapped and decided the time had come to expose an influencer in the worst way imaginable? Well, that particularly twisted thought is one that director Jennifer Harrington opts to explore in the new Shudder Original, Shook.

Now in this particular tale, we are introduced to a social media influencer named Mia, who seemingly has it all. For she has tons of followers that are eager to tune into her ‘Makeup by Mia’ account, and she has a loving boyfriend and wonderful friends that are equally as relevant on the socials. But the violent death of a fellow model at the hands of a killer, gives Mia pause, and prompts her to take a moment away from the spotlight to process such a horrific moment by watching her sister’s Nicole dog, while she is out of town. But while Mia is looking forward to a little quiet, self-care time, little does she know that she has a ‘fan’ that has been watching her closely with great disdain, and now that she is alone… the time has come for this person to express their distaste for Mia and her lifestyle, in the most twisted and harrowing way imaginable.

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Which is a plot that quite frankly, seems pretty by the numbers at first glance and early on, that plot and how it plays out on the screen… really does make the viewer believe that they’re about to settle in to watch a Scream clone and that is what lends to this movie’s brilliance. Because that little twist, makes you comfortable and has you thinking you’ll just enjoy some everyday fare and come out of this with a smile on your face. But once a shocking moment comes into play, it quickly becomes clear that this movie has something special to offer the viewer. In that, this story is loaded to the brim with all kinds of unexpected twists and turns, the kind that immediately draw you into the story. Because you’re constantly trying to guess the next twist and that makes for an engaging and wild experience, one that oddly enough, relates to the movie’s overall commentary on social media and the online world.

Because nothing is quite what it seems in this tale and that’s the message it wants to get across about that particular medium. In that, we should always take what we see online at face value. For it is a carefully curated world, where people only show us what they want us to see. But while that message alone is powerful, this movie takes it commentary on social media one step further, by exploring some of the reasons as to why people lie online and create a fake persona and that definitely gives the viewer pause. Since we are privy to moments that explore how some utilize it as an escape from their sorrowful life or the pain they’re currently experiencing and that adds depth and humanity and pity to a medium that some truly do view with disdain. And it is that hate for this platform that drives our villain to punish others for living a vapid lifestyle and the villain’s machinations in this tale, lead to the other highlight of the story.

In that, we are treated to some supremely unique kills and some twisted torturous moments. The kind that makes you cringe for certain or cry out in disgust when you see what poor Mia has to go through, and really in the end… this is quite the delightfully wicked horror film. Because not only does it offer up a unique plot that keeps you guessing from beginning to end, but it also features some compelling performances. For Daisye Tutor is simply electric as Mia and Emily Goss steals some scenes as Nicole and most important of all, it truly features some fascinating commentary on a topic that we don’t discuss enough. Because social media’s power is something that we are just starting to understand, and this movie really does force the viewer to question… whether or not the likes that come from a ‘vaugebook’ moment or a photo that projects false happiness, is truly nourishing for the soul. Or if by chance a little honestly would serve us better in a world, where so many are trying to be something they are not.

‘Shook’ is streaming now, exclusively on Shudder.

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