‘#Chadgetstheaxe’ Is Clever, Silly Fun

Note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SGA-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, #chadgetstheaxe being covered here wouldn’t exist.

As a found footage fan, I am always looking for films that either blow me away in the acting department (The Taking of Deborah Logan) or break new ground in the format (Butterfly Kisses). But I also can appreciate a film that plays with format and shows me a good time – and that describes director Travis Bible’s (Exit Strategy) horror/comedy, #chadgetstheaxe.

Synopsis:

#chadgetstheaxe follows four social media influencers as they live-stream their trip to Devil’s Manor, former home to a Satanic Cult. Things don’t go well. And as the violence ramps up, so do the views.

Let me start by saying that at the beginning of the film, I wanted all of the characters to die. 100%.  I was pro Ghost of the Axeman. To be honest, all of the mains are written as those larger-than-life YouTube douchebags your average person can’t stand. That said, kudos to the actors playing these unlikeable people. My huge shoutout goes to the talented Spencer Harrison Levin as Chad (Bad Haircut), who I started out hating, but I was really rooting for by the end.

The other thing that worked so well for me was the format, which had streaming comments on screen all the way through it – including the typical porn ad popping up now and then. I loved how the same viewers commented throughout – and developed their own personalities.

If you are looking for a fun time, and you love found footage, this is one to check out! It hits Digital and On Demand on September 1, 2023.