PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I had an opportunity to see Swipe, a short film for Panic Fest 2020. I am currently out of the dating loop, the last time I dated was probably the beginning of online dating. Now, there are so many different online dating apps out there, which has to be a scary thing. Mind you, there were always weirdos and you had to be cautious back then too. Our love with the internet, while can be a good thing, has also brought a lot more weirdos to us and given them more of a “voice”. At times, we allow technology to track our daily routines and whereabouts, at times we aren’t even aware this is happening. This short film delves into online dating and the possibility of strangers getting too close to you due to our love for technology. What did I think of this film? Read on to find out!
Synopsis:
A girl finds out that she has a match on a dating app with a stranger, despite swiping him to the left moments ago. She starts to fear that the man is dangerously close to her.
Swipe is directed by Niels Bourgonje, who also wrote the story along with screenwriter Paul Bontenbal. The film stars Ebony Obsidian (Amazon Original Series Hunters and BET and Tyler Perry’s Sistas) as “the girl” and Jefferson White (Paramount Network’s Yellowstone and Netflix’s House of Cards) as “the stranger”.
My Thoughts:
This film is definitely right up my alley. The tension is created right from the start. The film continues to build on this uncomfortable tension throughout. The whole pursuit is through an online dating app and cell phones. Which is a great representation of technology in horror film. I believe that technology has at times taken away from the horror film. Swipe not only integrates technology, but includes a classic case of cat and mouse. Will the girl and the stranger meet and will the girl be captured? You will have to watch the film to find out!
Final Thought:
Worth a watch for sure! The story and performances and integrated technology with a classic thriller element make this film worth watching.
