Skip to content

SHOOK

Written By:

Joel Harley
shook

The latest social media influencer horror film for our time, following in the footsteps of the ridiculous Spree. But instead of another Instagram serial killer, Shook follows its would-be damsel, social media star Mia (Daisye Tutor). Taking a night off from makeup tutorials and self-hype, Mia tries to ease a guilty conscience by doing a favour for her older sister; dog-sitting, in the old family home. A quiet night in turns out to be anything but as prank calls from a creepy neighbour soon escalate to death threats and a missing dog. Alas, Mia has been using her phone as a tool for style tips and selfies for so long that she seems to have forgotten that one can also use it as a device to call for help.

When a Stranger Calls for the Snapchat/Tik Tok/insert social media of choice/ generation, this stylish thriller goes all in on its hook. Thankfully, it’s not another laptop/phone screen found footager à la Unfriended or Spree, and director Jennifer Harrington has some clever ways of integrating various modes of chat into the movie. The story and its lingo are geared to younger audiences, but there’s a solid genre film beneath the social media trappings.

Part Saw, part Scream – and even a little bit modern Giallo – this is a surprisingly stylish take on the stalker subgenre. From the slowed-down cover of Girls Just Want to Have Fun to its wacky opening kill, Shook throws down some interesting vibes along with its standard-fare schlock. Its embarrassing, begging-to-be-outdated obsession with social media will likely alienate swathes of any potential audience, but it should leave viewers somewhat shaken, all the same.

Joel Harley

You May Also Like...

you should have left star kevin bacon joins jeremy slater directorial debut summoner

Kevin Bacon To Star In Exorcism Horror SUMMONER

Kevin Bacon is returning to horror with the upcoming film Summoner, which is being penned and directed by Mortal Kombat II writer Jeremy Slater. Despite having written for high-profile projects
Read More
jenna ortega in first trailer for taika waititi adaptation of klara and the sun

Jenna Ortega Is An Android In KLARA AND THE SUN Trailer

Jenna Ortega is a robot with a sunny outlook in the trailer for Taika Waititi’s feature adaptation of Klara and the Sun. The Wednesday and Death of a Unicorn actress
Read More

Survival Horror PITFALL Heading to Blu-ray and DVD

Following the success on digital platforms, the survival horror Pitfall will be released on Blu-ray and DVD in the UK on July 20th from Dazzler Media. Synopsis:  After a young
Read More
guests fantastic films

First Guests Announced for Festival of Fantastic Films

The wonderful Festival of Fantastic Films, which takes place in October in Manchester, has announced the first guests for the 2026 event. Appearing at the festival will be Susan Penhaligan,
Read More

Colchester Gets a Midsummer Scream from Black Sunday

Black Sunday Film Festival returns with its annual summer mini-fest Midsummer Scream on Saturday July 18th at Firstsite in Colchester. Alongside a stacked selection of feature presentations and acclaimed short
Read More
armando iannucci to pen script for paddington 4

Armando Iannucci Tapped To Direct PADDINGTON 4

The Thick of It and Veep creator Armando Iannucci is taking on Britain’s favourite marmalade-eating bear, with news that the Scottish comedian will be penning the script for Paddington 4.
Read More