vrodgers-26960 These are exciting times in the world of scary movies in that women are making their mark in the genre as writers, producers and directors of horror films. Among them is Jessica Cameron, who co-wrote, with Jonathan Scott Higgins, and directed "Truth or Dare" and took it on a successful worldwide tour of festivals in which the movie garnered 19 awards.It is an understatement to call "Truth or Dare" a cautionary tale, presenting a terrifying story of the dark, vicious underbelly of fame delivered at the hands of social media. Those who covet thy busy cyber traffic may have to deal with not only the relatively sane fans, but the downright demented ones as well.Six college students -- three couples actually -- have hit the jackpot with their "Truth or Dare" video streams that offer a violent twist. They especially draw attention when one of them, Tony (Brandon Van Vliet) may have been fatally shot by fellow Truth or Daredevil Jennifer (Cameron). The group subsequently appears on a talk show and brings out Tony to show he really was not killed.In the audience at the talk show is a self-professed No. 1 fan of the "Truth or Dare" videos, Derik (Kiser, who also stars as Charles Manson in "House of Manson"). When he makes a scene in trying to be recruited into the group, he is banished from the building.Later, the group reconvenes at a secluded home purchased by John (Jesse Wilson), who has set up a studio in which to video the next episodes of their show. Aside from John, Jennifer and Tony, the group includes John's girlfriend Courtney (Devanny Pinn, so unnerving as Susan Atkins in "House of Manson"), Tony's girlfriend Michelle (Heather Dorff) and Jennifer's boyfriend Ray (Shelby Stehlin).Just as the Truth or Daredevils begin to work on their next show, who should crash in on them but their No. 1 fan, Derik. Armed and certainly dangerous, Derik gets the upper hand and demands that they continue their "Truth or Dare" game, but under his rules.With one member of the group already "out of the game" (in other words, no longer breathing), the group has no choice but to concede to Derik's decrees.Unfortunately, in Derik's opinion, the show lacks structure and realism and he believes this cheats the fans. So he is here to fix things.In the first round of the game, the five remaining Truth or Daredevils opt for truth rather than dares. But this turns ugly.As in other horror movies in which viewers have to dispense with disbelief and accept that killers like Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger never die despite all the weapons and artillery used on them, "Truth or Dare" at this point forces the viewer to believe that Derik has managed to dig up deep secrets the Truth or Daredevils have been keeping from each other (even their lovers).Of course, some of these secrets are pretty bad and it leads to, well, discord among the group members. So naturally in the ensuing rounds they opt for dares rather than truths.And that's when it gets really brutal.You can develop a grudging admiration for Derik's madness. This guy is focused on his mission. As he says, "Truth or Dare" "belongs to the fans" and it is the obligation of the Truth or Daredevils to give them a bloody good show. And Derik's sick creativity helps achieve this goal. Each round gets more brutal. And even if these people survive the dares they are irreparably damaged.Of the group, Jennifer and Michelle are the gutsiest. Indeed, when Jennifer completes a dare without batting an eye, it seems she might be momentarily getting into the gory spirit of the proceedings. Later Jennifer and Michelle are the only ones to actually attempt to physically derail Derik's efforts."Truth or Dare" comes with a warning. This is uncompromising violence and not for the casual horror fans who enjoy films that that make them jump or feel uneasy. This movie does flat out dare you to watch, and even the most hardcore fans of this genre will find themselves of accelerated heart rates, possibly sweating and shaking, at the conclusion of the film. But then dare yourself NOT to watch it again. You might lose that dare.

Jon Dickinson Jessica Cameron's TRUTH OR DARE comes with it an incredible reputation after receiving critical praise at the various festivals that it has played at. It has won many awards including Best of Fest Award at Shockfest Film Festival where Cameron picked up the prize for Best Director and Best Actress. So before I watched the film I was asking myself if the hype justified?Truth or Dare follows six colleague students who go under the name of the Truth or Daredevils on YouTube. After their video featuring a game of Russian roulette goes viral after one of their team is seemingly killed, it is announced on a talk show that it was a hoax. As the group talk about their next video a disgruntled fan in the audience tries to interact with the team but is quickly shunned away only to appear later at the groups shoot taking control and forcing the team to play their very last game of Truth or Dare.Despite its micro budget what we have here is a thriller that works well and one that goes to some incredibly dark places. Brutal, shocking and damn right offensive, Jessica Cameron's Truth or Dare pushes the boundaries of acceptability. Its direct mean-spirited approach reminded me of James Cullen Bressick's Hate Crime which is also one of the most disturbing films i've ever seen. Featuring some truly twisted dares and it has enough gore to make Hostel look like a Saturday morning TV show. As Director Cameron spares nothing and no one as she crafts a thriller that accelerates in ferocity leaving her audience speechless. As for performances Jessica herself steps in to play one of the leads and is joined by Ryan Kiser, Heather Dorff and Devanny Pinn. The entire cast do a great job to sell the reality of the film without going over the top or feeling forced.Overall, I liked Truth or Dare and despite its budgetary restrictions, I think Cameron did a great job as director. So if the secrets shared during the FIlm4 Frightfest Q&A after the film turn out to be true then it won't be long before Truth or Dare 2 goes into production.

catatonic_cutie In Truth or Dare, the Truth or Daredevils find notoriety on the internet with vial videos based on the infamous party game truth or dare. And they are pretty good at what they do. The group is invited on talk shows and has a modicum of fame as an internet sensation. But one dedicated, more like obsessed fan, decides to help the Daredevils and improve their videos by making them more realistic. Once Derik, played by Ryan Kiser, inserts himself into the Daredevils' lives horrible things happen. This is a movie that my parents would be ashamed of me for watching. And I mean that in a good way! Truth of Dare has extreme images of violence and torture for each of the characters. For a first time director on a film she also co-wrote, Cameron does an excellent job of using the set for mood and reeling the viewer in as well as choosing what to show and when to cut away. I also appreciated her choice to keep her actors mostly clothed. It was another choice that allowed for me to relate to the characters instead of being distracted (or frustrated) by superfluous skin. This movie was terrifying enough without adding more potentially triggering imagery. That said, I did squirm in my seat during Truth or Dare. While this movie has a few laughs, I hope the audience laughter at certain horrifying moments was because we were all a bit uncomfortable. Truth or Dare uses the issue of internet fame as the impetus for the action. In time when anyone can make and produce videos, and gain fans, the chance of having "the wrong fan" latch on to you or your show would be a concern. This is especially true when you are probably unable to afford the security guards or employ other barriers to protect yourself. Truth or Dare takes this potential threat to the extreme with a delusional fan that takes truths and dares very, very seriously. I saw Truth or Dare at Crypticon in Seattle followed by a Q&A with Jessica Cameron. If you have a similar opportunity you should take it. Strong film and talented director and great cast.

DarkAnnie I was lucky enough to see an early screening of this movie. I went in with certain expectations, suggested by the movie title, and by other "up the ante" type horror films. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the production and acting at the start of the movie. Then things took an intense twist. Okay, I was expecting that. What I wasn't expecting was the utterly shocking nature of the second half of the film. Mind you, I don't shock easily. I've seen just about everything. Twice. But this was horrifying in every sense of he word. It's not torture porn, it's more emotionally charged than that. And it has a twisty, interesting plot to go along with it. I found this movie to be refreshing and original. Plus, I love the fact that the writer and director is a woman. Anybody who says that women can't compete on the horror field need to take a good look at this movie. (And "American Mary." And a lot of other great films by women.) Anyway, highly recommended, if you have nerves of steel and a strong stomach.