‘Low Life’ (2022) Review – A Chaotic Modern Cautionary Tale For The Digital Age

Directed By: Tyler Michael James

Starring: Wes Dunlap, Lucas Neff, Luna Montana, Lucy Urbano and Annie Milligan

Plot Summary: Benny, a small time YouTube star who catches predators online, experiences a night from hell when he lets one of them into his own home.

Low Life caught my attention since I’ve been devouring a lot of Internet based horror movies – recent films like Dashcam, Follow Her, Deadstream and Margaux. All of these movies, outside of being online-based to some degree, discuss having a platform on social media and how that influence is wielded. Director Tyler Michael James’ thriller Low Life adds to the discourse in a very interesting and unsettling way.

The core concept of Low Life is an intrigue one; take any given episode of To Catch a Predator, turn it to thriller mode, and set it free to wallow in its depravity completely unbound by television restrictions. James’ feature film is a mixed bag, but one that is thoroughly entertaining. Indeed, the hook is a compelling one that leaves itself wide open for a larger discourse on if it is morally justified to hunt and expose online predators. For many, this is a no brainer, and in Benny’s fictional world, he is a hero. Although, James brilliantly shows the gray areas that come with this. For example, it is strongly implied that Benny’s meddling may actually end up derailing any police investigations. This cleverly mirrors one of the controversial aspects of the infamous stalwart To Catch a Predator, which had many of its cases thrown out due to possible entrapment. We also get to really understand why Benny is doing this, and giving him a reason outside of Internet fame makes for a richer and overall a more developed story.

Wes Dunlap has a lot on his shoulders in this movie. Not only do we see everything from his perspective, but he is tasked with being the emotional centerpiece as well. Thankfully, Dunlap gives a powerhouse performance and, in my opinion, it helps smooth over some of the slight cracks in the screenplay. The supporting cast is also fantastic with Lucas Neff giving an equally strong turn. Neff finds a thoughtful nuance to what could have been a very one note character. Lucy Urbano and Annie Milligan are also brilliant, and I can see future stars in them. Hunter Milano, the co-writer and producer, plays Ryan, and nails the role which is reminiscent of a supporting character in Breaking Bad in the best way. It cannot be overstated how on point this entire cast is.

While there is a lot to enjoy in Low Life, it does come with some issues. Without any spoilers, there is an enlightening and at times dread-filled poker game, which quickly spirals out of control. This scene is great but ends up feeling too abrupt and anti-climactic. More tension could have been milked from this moment. We do get some excellent tension-filled moments later, such as a paranoid late-night drive which is as brilliant as it is engaging. The entire second and third act feel a bit awkward due to story beats feeling rushed and not as developed as fully as they could be. There is also a feeling that the film’s overarching message and themes could have been more polished and well thought out.

Sure, if I’m being honest, the movie is rough-around-the-edges, but I was never bored. Low Life is an impressive early outing for director Tyler Michael James. I can see a lot of raw talent on display in terms of a visual style, on-point editing and a finale that showcases Wes Dunlap as an incredible performer. Low Life is a sleazy, loud and chaotic modern cautionary tale for the digital age.

Low Life is currently available on North American VOD platforms courtesy of XYZ Films. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gEpsWotN34]