Fans of "Stranger Things" are eagerly buzzing about Joe Keery’s surprisingly underrated horror film from 2020.
Joe Keery, known for his charming on-screen presence, captures the attention of viewers in every role he takes. Whether he’s portraying the tough-guy son of a rancher in FX’s darkly comedic anthology series "Fargo" or the lovable ice-cream worker and unexpected hero, Steve Harrington, in Netflix's hit series "Stranger Things," Keery exudes a magnetic energy that’s hard to resist. His character, Steve, who begins the show as a stereotypical jock, evolves into a caring big brother figure for the younger cast, particularly Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), endearing him to audiences and earning his place as one of the standout characters in the series. During the long wait between seasons of this popular show, fans have been seeking out more of Keery’s work, which has led many to discover the hidden gem of a horror-comedy he starred in during 2020—Eugene Kotlyarenko’s "Spree!"
Upon its release, "Spree" received a mixture of reviews, ranging from positive to somewhat critical. In a review on /Film, critic Ben Pearson praised Keery’s acting prowess but criticized the film for lacking depth, particularly noting that its portrayal of violence resonates uncomfortably with real-world events. Meanwhile, other viewers found the movie’s dark humor and sharp satire of influencer culture to be spot-on, with Keery’s peculiar performance combined with the film’s exploration of online culture creating a blend of horror and comedy that keeps viewers engaged. Almost universally, reviewers acknowledge Keery’s standout performance, making "Spree" a fantastic showcase for his talent, particularly among his dedicated fanbase.
The narrative follows Kurt Krunkle, played by Keery, a rideshare driver in Los Angeles who stops at nothing—literally, including committing murder—to attain viral fame. The film uses dark comedy to ridicule not only the obsession with becoming a social media star but also the broader aspects of internet culture, including some shockingly amusing and disturbing comments that appear on-screen as Kurt embarks on his killing spree. An engaging encounter unfolds when Kurt picks up comedian Jessie Adams, portrayed by Sasheer Zamata of "Saturday Night Live," who isn’t impressed with his antics, leading to a fierce competition for online views and attention. Although some may find the film lacking in substance—perhaps intentionally so—the deeper themes may be overshadowed by the sheer enjoyment of watching Keery shine in his role.
Fans on platforms like Twitter/X have praised "Spree" for its genuinely eerie reflection of social media reactions, with some even drawing parallels to the cult classic found footage movie "Creep," featuring Mark Duplass as a man yearning for companionship. Both films creatively utilize their respective formats while centering on riveting performances, though "Spree" leans heavily into critiques of modern society and its issues.
The cult following for "Spree" seems to be gaining traction, with Letterboxd users raving about it. One enthusiast entry even likened the film to how the character of Joker would pivot to the world of influencer culture instead of stand-up comedy, a surprisingly fitting comparison (albeit "Spree" appears to target a younger demographic more than Todd Phillips’ "Joker"). The unsettling nature of the protagonist’s acts might evoke discomfort, yet this discomfort cultivates a unique brilliance within the film. While one might argue that it merely serves as a critique of social media obsession, it also presents an intriguing character exploration, depicting Kurt Krunkle somewhat like a contemporary Tyler Durden for the TikTok generation—a compelling figure that can blur the lines of morality and intent for some viewers.
Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to see how "Spree" is viewed in a decade. Will it come to be recognized as a prophetic depiction of societal failures or a chilling reminder of past events? Regardless, it undeniably serves as a shocking commentary on a particularly unsettling moment in American culture, captivating audiences with its provocative themes.
