Come Play Trailer Focus Features Horror Movie

Written and directed by Jacob Chase, in “Come Play,” an indescribable monster named “Larry” targets a family by manifesting itself via their mobile devices, including tablets and smartphones.

Based on Chase’s 2017 short film “Larry,” the official synopsis for “Come Play” reads: “Newcomer Azhy Robertson stars as Oliver, a lonely young boy who feels different from everyone else. Desperate for a friend, he seeks solace and refuge in his ever-present cell phone and tablet. When a mysterious creature uses Oliver’s devices against him to break into our world, Oliver’s parents (Gillian Jacobs and John Gallagher Jr.) must fight to save their son from the monster beyond the screen.” Related ‘Terrifier 2’ Isn’t Enough: Low-Budget Horror Needs More Big Ideas (Column) ‘Run Sweetheart Run’ Star Ella Balinska on the Feminist Horror Nightmare Related Oscars 2023: Best Original Song Predictions 51 Directors’ Favorite Horror Movies: Bong Joon Ho, Quentin Tarantino, Guillermo del Toro, and More
As the trailer suggests, “Larry” is essentially a component of the digital world that blends into Oliver’s perception of the real world — or what is known as augmented reality. Although, in this case, “Larry” is self aware and wants to manifest itself in the real world. In horror movies of yesteryear, protagonists, would often be cut off from civilization, with no landlines, Internet access or cell phone signals to speak of, and therefore no way to call for help when most needed. But with smartphones and other mobile devices as ubiquitous as they are now, modern horror filmmakers have to rethink these tropes, and find new, interesting, and most importantly, scary ways to incorporate communication technology into their stories. Whether-writer/director Chase has accomplished this remains to be seen. “Come Play” was originally set for a July 24 theatrical release, but the pandemic had other plans, as has been the case for the majority of film releases over the last five months. Produced by The Picture Company for Amblin Partners, the film is now set for an October 30th release, just in time for Halloween. Check out the first trailer for “Come Play.”