Outline:
A New Kind of Horror: Spree
Would you get into an Uber with Joe Keery? Be honest — probably. He seems chill, he sings, and he seems like a great guy. That’s exactly the problem at the heart of Spree, a sharply cynical horror satire that has quietly become a free-streaming sleeper hit years after most people missed it. Directed by Eugene Kotlyarenko, Spree casts Keery wildly against type as Kurt Kunkle, a rideshare driver so desperate for social media fame that he decides the fastest route to virality is… livestreamed murder.
The film uses a ScreenLife format — think Unfriended or Searching — unfolding through livestreams, apps, comments, and phone screens. You’re not just watching Kurt spiral; you’re watching him perform, refreshing view counts, begging for engagement, and slowly realizing that even murder isn’t guaranteed to go viral.
Why Joe Keery Shines in Spree
Keery is the reason it works. Best known as Steve Harrington on Stranger Things, he weaponizes awkward charm here, playing Kurt as a grinning void of entitlement, loneliness, and rage. He’s unsettling precisely because he feels familiar — the guy who overshares, tries too hard, and absolutely cannot handle being ignored.
The movie has sparked debates about whether it’s worth watching. Some critics have compared it to a warped, social-media-era riff on American Psycho, with Joe Keery deliberately torching his wholesome image as a rideshare driver who turns murder into a clout-chasing strategy. The film was praised for Keery’s committed lead performance, its sharp supporting cast, and Eugene Kotlyarenko’s frenetic, screen-addicted style, which captured the ugliness of online culture with unnerving accuracy.
However, the review argued that the movie’s message about audience complicity felt muddled and overly familiar, losing focus once it shifted attention away from Kurt. Entertaining, divisive, and stylish, Spree didn’t fully cohere despite its bold premise.
A Mixed Reception
One reviewer noted, “Keery impressed me in his first major lead role, but there’s something a little too vapid about Spree to take it completely seriously. I attended its very first screening at 8:30 p.m., but this is a midnight movie through and through, and I suspect it should’ve screened for an audience that might be a bit more in on the joke. The truth is that Spree should’ve embraced its demented premise and really gone full Grand Theft Auto. Instead, it tries to inject some depth to the proceedings, and as a result, it doesn’t fully coalesce. I didn’t know whether to give this movie a B or a C+, so like Kurt’s approach to tipping, I’ll choose the middle option.”
Where to Watch Spree
Spree is streaming now on Tubi. For those looking for a unique blend of horror and satire, the film offers a fresh perspective on the dangers of online culture and the pursuit of fame. While it may not fully deliver on its ambitious premise, it remains a compelling watch for fans of dark humor and unconventional storytelling.
Key Takeaways
- Spree is a horror satire that explores the dark side of social media and the quest for fame.
- Joe Keery delivers a standout performance, playing against type as a character driven by desperation and vanity.
- The film uses a ScreenLife format, making viewers feel immersed in the digital world of the protagonist.
- Critics have mixed opinions, praising the performances and style but questioning the film’s message and coherence.
- Spree is available on Tubi, offering a chance to experience this unique take on modern anxieties.
Whether you’re a fan of horror, satire, or simply curious about the intersection of technology and human behavior, Spree provides an engaging and thought-provoking experience. It may not be perfect, but it certainly leaves a lasting impression.