'The Review' Review
Director: Samuel Gonzalez Jr.
Release Date: 10/17/26 [Festival Run]
Genre: Horror.
The Verdict: A Must-See
Samuel Gonzalez Jr.’s twenty-minute horror short, The Review, can be interpreted in several ways. One could see it as an anti-influencer picture, embodying the emotional burden, toxicity, and the pressure of having all eyes on your every move. The other can be seen through the eyes of those affected by such popularity, where influence can lead to utter disaster.
After a disastrous review forces a local burger joint to close, Allie Sparks’ food influencer, Kate, forces herself back into the limelight after 6 months of absence and public ridicule. Sparks offers a brief glimpse into internet culture's falsehoods, from depression to forced cheer. It's all entirely performative, and it is clearly soul-crushing to withhold her true emotions for her chosen livelihood.
In her return to going "live", she tackles an unknown pizza restaurant, identified by an off-putting smile emoji, and asks for a truly honest review. This task will shred Kate’s identity in two: her influencer self and her true self. The Review will consume you and keep you on your toes, ending with fascinating commentary on modern society and some truly shocking touches throughout.
