As technology continues to evolve at an exponential rate, the fear of what it can offer becomes increasingly more mysterious. New advances are changing the screens in front of our faces to alter reality and create a world that does not necessarily exist. Virtual Reality may be in it’s infant stage of the modern consumer, but to tech companies it has been an ever strive to alter the world we see around us. IFC Midnight release Let’s Be Evil which approaches a realistic near future with a wearable device and explores the unknowing of what such a complicated piece of tech can bring.
The story of Let’s Be Evil follows Jenny played by the talented Elizabeth Morris who in desperate need of financial income to take care of her mother’s medical bills signs up for a secret project. Upon arriving she is given a pair of glasses that are similar to what we understand Google Glass to be. She learns she is hired along with two others, Tiggs played by Kara Tointon and Darby played by Elliot James Langridge, as chaperones to a group of incredibly gifted children who learn through the augmented reality glasses. They are contained in a secure, underground facility and the situation quickly spirals out of control from the three chaperones. It is written and directed by LA Slasher creator Martin Owen
Utilizing the technology presented in the film, upon arrive to the facility, the perspective of the camera turns to those of the glasses. This unique form of story telling allows the audience to learn how the familiar yet new technology works along with the characters. Point of view style is becoming a popular trend but We Are Indie Horror have not seen it presented in such a smooth and natural way. Let’s Be Evil may put the audience into the eyes of the characters but is shown in such a way that the story is told in a cohesive narrative. After the first indication, the idea of point of view disappears and allows the the viewer to sit back and buckle up for the ride to follow.
Along with the point of view presentation, the color and lighting on the film was highly stylized. The trick of the augmented reality glasses is the underground bunker is pitch black and the glasses allow the chaperones and the students to maneuver themselves around, forcing everyone involved to keep the glasses on. To help create this augmented reality feel through the glasses, the constant lighting changes allowed for an ever questioning reality. The corridors were bright and vibrant when needed while when presented it was red and ominous.
Kudos to director Martin Owen for telling a story with such subtly presented with immaculate style, the audience that will find this film will be in a trance from the opening frame. The story is layered with hints to the final revelation that they go overlooked until all comes to fruition. Let’s Be Evil lends itself to be compared to some classic films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey and Children Of The Corn. Yes those are high regarded films, but Owen does a phenomenal job bringing the essence of both classics to life in a modern vibe. He is being hailed as a “young Christopher Nolan” and when the credits of Let’s Be Evil roll, it becomes obvious he is clearly on his way.
Let’s Be Evil premiered in January at the Slamdance Film Festival. And as of August 5, 2016 IFC Midnight will be releasing in select theaters, VOD, and all digital platforms. For more information please click the links below. Be sure to check out the trailer and some images below as well. Will you be checking out Let’s Be Evil? Let us know!