Horror Meets High-Tech in Death Streamer – Stream It If You Dare! | Five Minute Film Freak Review

Boobs and blood. Whatever your reaction to those two words, I’m sure I’ve got your attention. Yes, boobs and blood are at the center of Death Streamer, the latest release from the Pulp Noir label of the Full Moon film empire run by Charles Band. While Band’s latest directorial effort may show plenty of crimson soaked skin, it’s also got much more to offer viewers who love a a good freaky flick with a edge.

A Return to Ghastly Roots with Death Streamer

I recently interviewed Charles Band for PopGeeks here, where he enthusiastically shared the origins of the Death Streamer concept. This includes the means by which he obtained the lush filming set. There was no doubt during that conversation that Band was enthusiastic about returning to his ghastly, gore-filled movie making roots. Death Streamer shows that he has every reason to be proud of this outing.

Death Streamer deals with a series of ritualistic seductions of beautiful women captured via a pair of high tech sunglasses outfitted with a video camera that live streams the bloody climax of these encounters to a list of growing subscribers. That’s right, live death on camera with sexy edge being offered to a sadistic, exclusive clientele. But when a trio of true horror content creators stumble upon the shocking purpose of behind the killings, they find themselves in a race to stop an evil entity from destroying the world as we know it!

Artistic Cinematography in Death Streamer

Death Streamer sounds like Faces of Death meets Red Shoe Diaries. However, it’s appeal lies not in the idea of realistic murder for the voyeur’s pleasure, but the characters themselves. In fact, the streaming deaths as presented in the movie are much more artistically filmed than the concept suggests. This is not Paranormal Activity found footage we’re talking here. The colors are rich, the angles are carefully selected and the bodies of the victims are beautifully photographed. Again though, I must emphasize the appeal of the characters who make this film a truly enjoyable watch.

Out trio of protagonists are the hosts of a horror web series called Church of Chills. The show is filmed and produced in an actual abandoned church. Imagine my surprise when the opening credits for this fictitious series appeared on screen, especially since Charles Band had just filled me in on his plans for an actual live event by the same name taking place this October, being hosted by Full Moon at the church where this movie was filmed. Can you say synergy? But back to the cast.

Engaging Characters Bring Fun and Flair

Aaron McDaniel as Alex Jarvis, the main host and director of the Church of Chills program is an egotistical, eccentric delight who brings to mind Jason Lee by way of Walton Goggins. McDaniel provides so much charisma in his grounded comedic performance as the man that you love to hate. But he’s not carrying the weight of the film on his shoulders alone. He is equally assisted in keeping things lively with the help of his Emma Massalone as Edwina, his put upon girlfriend/co-host who is all attitude.

Right alongside them in lighting up this screen during this titillating tale is Kaitlin Moore as Juniper. She brings a wry sense of humor and sincerity to the proceedings. This trio works so beautifully together to transform what could have otherwise been seen as endless exposition scenes taking place in one setting into the most enjoyable part of the film. I want Death Streamer 2 NOW, simply to see this team back in action again with their fun banter and wonderful on screen chemistry.

A Villain to Remember

What about the villain of the piece, you ask? This is a horror movie after all. Sean Ohlman as the vampire, Arturo Valenor is a malevolent presence on screen. He is especially creepy in his seduction of beautiful young women who attend his sinister soirees. Granted, the eyewear he puts on to stream his activities might seem a little bit distracting since many vampire tales allow the eyes to be on full display as victims are put in the thrall of the fanged fiends, but that’s a minor nitpick. 

Ohlman is also joined on screen for most scenes by two henchmen who are decked out in fascinating and frightening garb. Travis Stoner plays the villain’s physically intimidating and mute Thug, who’s often found in a cool looking leather jacket and face mask combo that looks straight out of a twisted comic book story. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Chili Jean as Li Chen, a stunning female sidekick rocking a fashion that can only be described as S&M at Mardi Gras. They are are both implicit in the preparing of the victims for their big, bloody closeups on the livestreams.

Immersive Score and Cinematic Flair

Death Streamer gets a nice assist from the score by Jonathan Walter, which goes a long way in adding tension and ambience to scenes that otherwise might have fallen flat. The same can be said for the cinematography by Thomas L. Callaway, which provides just enough flair to keep the audience visually stimulated when certain rhythms in the narrative are repeated. 

The CGI special effects are minimal in Death Streamer. This makes for a viscerally exciting experience as vivacious victims are drenched in blood. Flesh is ripped away from tender necks. Full Moon spared no expense when it came to the red stuff. It hearkens back to classic Hammer horror films, where the sultry sanguine sights were plentiful.

A Throwback to Classic Horror

If you’re looking for a freaky fun fright this Halloween season, Death Streamer delivers! This isn’t elevated horror, it’s right down in the muck monster movie making. And it’s not afraid to get it’s hands dirty. With a fabulous cast and a feast for the eyes, you’ll get a kick out of this flick!

Death Streamer is available to order in your preferred physical media format from Blu-ray to VHS on October 11th. It is also releasing everywhere on streaming including Amazon, Tubi and the Full Moon Features website. So don’t miss it!

Discuss Director, Charles Band, Death Streamer and all Five Minute Film Freak Reviews on our Movie Forum.