MMT Minute Thoughts on COME PLAY by guest contributor Samantha Hollins

COME PLAY is a riveting horror/thriller film (written and directed by Jacob Chase) that forces us to look at our level of patience, our insecurities, and our fixations. It tampers with the mind of an unspoken autistic boy, who finds his voice by communicating through his phone. It would make any parent think twice about electronic devices being the center of a child’s company. The Boogie Man in this film could very much be a metaphor for a predator lurking on the other end of the screen.

Here’s the synopsis: 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 the world, Oliver’s parents (Gillian Jacobs and John Gallagher Jr.) must fight to save their son from the monster beyond the screen.

The blurred lines between everyday struggles and technology take on the formation of a relatable horror story. Technology plays the villain of companionship that preys on the vulnerable. It shape shifts into the lonely monster that would do anything to suck in new, young friend requests.

The young lead Robertson truly embodies his character, Oliver, with astounding care and honesty. His interaction with the entity of “Larry” triggers an intense energy that he carries throughout each scene.

And with an underlying current of a spine-chilling score, the idea of Larry’s coming becomes just as scary as his creepy image.

Although the Coronavirus pandemic pushed Focus Features’ original release date back for Come Play, the October 30, 2020 Halloween date is the hair-raising thrill horror-film lovers need this year.

Samantha Hollins, aka Ghetto SongBird, is a multi-talented Rock singer/songwriter, guitarist, poet/writer, photographer and all around creative soul who passionately enjoys sharing her positive artistic energy and harmonic vibes. You can follow her on Facebook and get additional information at her site Theculturerockgriot.com.