Reviews: Come Play (2020) Movie Review
Genres: Horror, Thriller, Drama, Mystery
Subgenres: Creatures, Survival, Cursed, Drama, Haunted, Internet
Where does Come Play (2020) stand among horror films? Our review examines the scares, pacing, and what makes it unique in the genre.
Come Play presents an intriguing premise that taps into the fears of modern technology while delivering a supernatural horror experience. The film follows Oliver, a nonverbal autistic boy who communicates through his tablet. When a mysterious eBook titled Misunderstood Monsters appears on his screen, it introduces him to Larry, a terrifying entity that uses digital devices as a gateway to the real world. As Oliver’s family struggles to understand what’s happening, they find themselves caught in a fight for survival against an entity that preys on loneliness.
Come Play (2020) – A Chilling but Uneven Take on Tech-Based Horror
The story’s central theme revolves around isolation, communication struggles, and the need for human connection. Oliver’s condition makes him particularly vulnerable, emphasizing how technology can both bridge and hinder relationships. While this emotional depth adds to the film’s impact, the execution sometimes feels forced, with moments of heavy-handed messaging that detract from the horror experience.
Character development is a mixed bag. Oliver, played by Azhy Robertson, delivers a strong performance that makes him a sympathetic and compelling protagonist. His mother, portrayed by Gillian Jacobs, has an emotional arc that adds weight to the film, but her character’s actions can feel inconsistent. Other supporting characters, particularly Oliver’s father and classmates, are less fleshed out, making their involvement feel underdeveloped.
Acting and Cinematography
Azhy Robertson’s performance as Oliver is a standout, capturing both the vulnerability and quiet strength of a child who sees and experiences the world differently. Gillian Jacobs also delivers an emotionally grounded performance, even if the script doesn’t always do her character justice. John Gallagher Jr. as Oliver’s father has moments of emotional weight, but the film fails to give him enough depth to make his role truly impactful.
Visually, Come Play excels in crafting eerie, atmospheric sequences. Director Jacob Chase uses lighting and framing effectively to build tension, particularly in scenes where Larry manipulates electronic screens to reveal his presence. The film’s use of dim lighting, shadowy figures, and unsettling imagery enhances its supernatural elements. Larry’s design, while unsettling, is sometimes overexposed, diminishing the fear factor over time.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Jacob Chase delivers a competent horror film that leans heavily on suspense and atmosphere rather than outright jump scares. The buildup of tension is well-executed, with clever uses of technology to heighten the horror. However, the pacing struggles at times, with slow-moving sequences that lose momentum before key scares land.
One of the film’s biggest weaknesses is its predictability. While the premise is intriguing, many of the scares follow familiar horror tropes. The script occasionally relies too much on exposition, particularly in explaining Larry’s origins, which weakens the film’s mystery. Additionally, some character decisions feel frustratingly forced, making the plot feel more contrived than organic.
Final Verdict & Score: 6/10
Come Play is a well-intentioned horror film with a strong emotional core, solid performances, and effective atmospheric scares. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it offers enough eerie moments and a unique perspective on loneliness and technology to keep viewers engaged. However, its reliance on predictable horror beats and occasional pacing issues prevent it from reaching its full potential. Horror fans looking for a modern supernatural thriller with heart may appreciate it, but those seeking truly innovative scares might find it lacking.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- Come Play Rating Scores
- Our Score: 6/10
- Overall Score: 5.85/10
- IMDB: 5.8/10
- MetaCritic: 5.8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 5.7/10
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