Killer Algorithm: Modern Horror Meets Old-School Gore

The creators of the new "Faces of Death" claim the film probes societal desensitization to violence and our consumption of real-life carnage, describing it as an "exploitation of an iconic exploitation film." The original 1978 movie, a faux documentary featuring graphic deaths, became a cult hit and spawned numerous sequels.

This modern interpretation, directed by Daniel Goldhaber, centers on Margo, a content moderator at a video-sharing site. She monitors disturbing uploads, including a graphic electrocution and a cannibalistic dinner party, all while grappling with her own internet notoriety.

Margo's suspicion grows when she recognizes disturbing videos as near duplicates of the original "Faces of Death." The source of these graphic clips is revealed to be Arthur, a serial killer who thrives on the attention economy and views remakes as a license to kill.

Arthur, sporting demonic contact lenses and a mask, imprisons victims and gleefully pursues his violent avocation. He boasts that "the algorithm loves remakes" and that "business is booming" in this meta commentary on modern media consumption.

While the film features Barbie Ferreira as Margo and Dacre Montgomery as the creepy serial killer Arthur, it ultimately presents a familiar horror narrative. Despite its "exploration" of contemporary themes, it culminates in a standard battle between a heroine and a psycho villain, which is reasonably effective.