Overlook Film Festival 2024 – Brea Grant is no stranger to horror fans, starring in such films as Lucky and After Midnight. Over the last few years, she’s moved behind the camera to direct 12 Hour Shift and Torn Hearts. Her latest directorial project is MLM, a hilarious horror comedy short that lampoons influencer culture.

Jessika Van stars as Sarah, who, at the encouragement of her friend Molly (Courtney Pauroso), agrees to sell Lala Leggings. Molly is a star influencer, and Sarah is just not very good at it, to put it mildly. In fact, her first livestream attracts less than ten viewers, and the more she talks, the more people tune out. The only problem is that if Sarah doesn’t meet her quota, one absurd horrible thing after the other happens. First, her boyfriend’s penis turns into a bird. Then, any food she consumes turns to glitter, and lastly, she’s hounded by an entity known as The Axe Man.

This short certainly never takes itself all that seriously, and the comedic notes hit. That said, the humor makes the broader message about influencer culture and the obsession with likes and clicks easier to swallow. The script, penned by Grant and Ed Dougherty, is indeed quite a clever one, mixing laughs with doses of horror. There’s even a cameo by genre superstar Barbara Crampton, who plays Lala Leggings’ founder.

Van and Pauroso seemed to have a lot of fun in their respective roles, and their characters are quite a contrast. Molly is an incredibly shallow and self-absorbed influencer, constantly craving the limelight and wealth, to the point she wears shirts denigrating the poor. Sarah, meanwhile, is hesitant and painfully awkward during livestreams. She doesn’t want to fall into the game of building subscribers, though when the curses start to kick in, so does her desperation. It’s a heck of a ride watching Van’s performance, especially as her character grows frantic and panicked.

Grant is one of American horror’s best contemporary talents. She’s a known actress, but her directorial work continues to impress. MLM is an uproarious short that roasts influencer culture. It’s an absolute blast covered in glitter.

8 Out of 10