We're All Going to the World's Fair
Director: Jane Schoenbrun
Year Released: 2021
Rating: 1.0
Casey (Anna Robb), a typical youngster who spends too much time online, takes the "World's Fair Challenge," which involves pricking your finger, smearing it on your screen, watching a flickering video and then documenting the "side effects" days later; shadowy JLB (Michael J. Rogers), who also likes horror-themed games, takes an interest in her. I think there's the kernel of a good idea in this by mixing together a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game along with "creepypasta" and Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (abbreviated ASMR), but the final product is grossly underdeveloped and (purposely?) vague: for starters, where are her parents or peers? Does she have a history of mental problems? It brings up - but doesn't delve into - how certain online communities can bully and do harm to their members, which is something people aren't really paying much attention to (but they should).