The price of stardom is a tricky one. There are those who believe celebrities have it easy, but like all careers, there are true downfalls that come with being in the public eye. Unending schedules, pressure from agents and production companies, never having privacy, and relentless scrutiny from fans and media can all add up to immense stress for stars. Found footage “Screenlife” subgenre horror Howdy, Neighbor! examines just how far one obsessed fan will go when he moves next door to his favorite actor.

“Screenlife” is a film genre that is still emerging as an offshoot of found footage, but is one that fits easily and understandably in with the advancing technology and constant access to social media, phones, and computers that we all are immersed in. Howdy, Neighbor! utilizes this to tell the story of former child actor Benjamin (Matthew Scott Montgomery, who also wrote the film), who lives in West Hollywood in pursuit of an acting career separate from his known role decades prior. The core relationship in his life is with best friend Harley (Debby Ryan), and the two share an instantly lovable, authentic friendship as they commiserate about past relationships, the upcoming holidays, and family. 

Bouncing back and forth between text messages and emails from character’s phones and laptops, and filling in the rest with video calls, the movie wastes no time in getting right to the meat of the plot, when Ben’s new neighbor, Chase (Grant Jordan) moves in next door. Initially, Ben is intrigued by him, especially once Chase recognizes him from his famous sitcom childhood role. A sitcom, coincidentally, that has re-emerged in popularity with the announcement of the release of the old episodes on a major streaming service.

Ben’s interest in Chase quickly turns to apprehension, however, when Chase’s behavior becomes increasingly more strange and assertive. The more Ben tries to avoid Chase, the more it works against him, and as the press and fervor for the streaming premier gets closer, the clearer it becomes that Chase is someone much more sinister and dangerous than your average fan. With help from Harley, and his ex boyfriend, Marcus (Sterling Sulieman), Ben attempts to uncover Chase’s past to determine who he truly is, while also keeping as much distance from him as possible. 

Howdy, Neighbor! is equal parts social commentary and psychological horror, wrapped in a neat, genuine Pro-LGBTQ cloak. It’s difficult to properly execute telling a cohesive, engaging story with only the use of text messages, video calls, and videos shot from cell phones, but Howdy, Neighbor! not only succeeds, it knocks it out of the park. It pulls you in by keeping the plot moving steadily along, grabs your attention immediately with the authenticity of the performances and characters, and doesn’t let go until the final moments. 

There are times when it’s easy to forget you’re watching a film and not spectating real events with real people, and this is largely thanks to the stellar acting from the three leads. Montgomery and Ryan make a lovable duo, and their friendship is so natural that they feel like they could  not only be people you’d know in real life, but want to hang out with. Montgomery should be applauded for his depiction of someone trying to maintain composure and professionalism during some of the more…unhinged moments that come from dealing with someone truly obsessed. On that same note, Jordan’s portrayal of a madman is absolutely captivating. His ability to shift from sympathetic charm to deranged psychopath is, quite frankly, award-worthy. The two play off of each other expertly, and as the tension ramps up, the more cringeworthy the situation becomes. Which is exactly the intent of the filmmakers.

If you’re looking for a gripping, innovative take on the found footage genre with outstanding performances and a story you won’t want to tear your gaze away from, check Howdy, Neighbor! out. It deserves all the attention it can get.