Is Unfriended based on a true story? Its Plot, Review, And More
Updated Apr 22, 2023
Unfriended movie 2014
In 2014, "Unfriended," directed by Timur Bekmambetov and Levan Gabriadze, brought a unique and innovative approach to supernatural horror. The film was the first full-length motion picture to be entirely set on a computer screen, using the so-called Screenlife format. The story revolves around a group of high school friends, played by Shelley Hennig, Moses Storm, Renee Olstead, Will Peltz, Jacob Wysocki, and Courtney Halverson, who are having a Skype conversation with a student, portrayed by Heather Sossaman, who committed suicide after being bullied by them.
The movie unfolds entirely through a MacBook screencast, with the characters' interactions and actions displayed on the computer screen. On July 20, 2014, "Unfriended" made its international premiere at the Fantasia Festival. On April 17, 2015, Universal Pictures released the movie in theaters all over the US. The movie was a commercial success, earning over $62 million globally on a small $1 million budget, but receiving mixed reviews from critics.
The film's distinctive structure and topical examination of cyberbullying and online communication struck a chord with viewers, turning it into a box-office success. In 2018, a standalone sequel titled "Unfriended: Dark Web" was released, featuring a different storyline and characters within the Screenlife format. While opinions on the films vary, "Unfriended" and its sequel have certainly made a mark in the horror genre for their innovative approach to storytelling and use of modern technology as a storytelling medium.
Is Unfriended based on a true story?
The short answer is: No, "Unfriended" is not based on a true story. Despite the widespread belief that horror films like "Unfriended" are rooted in real events, the movie's storyline is purely fictional. "Unfriended" is a work of fiction created by writer Nelson Greaves and directed by Levan Gabriadze. The entire found footage-style techno-horror movie "Unfriended" is set on a computer screen and follows a group of friends as they try to avoid a lethal and ominous online presence while on a video chat.
The film has paranormal components, such as a vengeful spirit seeking retribution on a group of friends for their earlier deeds. But these occurrences are all the creation of the filmmakers' imagination and are not based on any actual occurrences. It's not commonplace for horror films to use the premise that they were inspired by real-life incidents as a marketing gimmick to evoke suspense and mystery. The movie "Unfriended," on the other hand, is not based on any reliable facts or actual incidents.
It is entirely a piece of fiction written to frighten and entertain viewers. In conclusion, "Unfriended" is not based on a genuine story even if it may be a thrilling and riveting horror movie. Even while they may claim to be based on true events, it is crucial to keep in mind that films are a kind of entertainment and are not usually rooted in fact.
Unfriended Plot
The 2014 movie "Unfriended" centers on a group of friends who get together online for a video call on the anniversary of their former classmate Laura Barns' suicide, which was caused by cyberbullying. Laura Barns' suicide was caused by harassment online. The entire movie is displayed on a computer screen, showing the characters' communications over video calls, chat, and social media. As the pals converse, a third party who appears to have eavesdropped on their talk joins them.
The anonymous user claims to be Laura Barns, who is seeking retribution from her tormentors. The pals initially reject it as a joke, but they quickly come to the conclusion that the scenario is far more sinister than they initially believed. The online dialogue between the pals gradually transforms into a terrifying encounter as the unidentified user starts to reveal their secrets and alter their digital reality. The pals are desperately trying to figure out who is behind the strange user and stop the growing horror as tensions build and relationships start to fall apart.
However, their attempts are in vain since the mysterious person turns increasingly nefarious and turns their internet presence against them, with disastrous results. The group must face their previous mistakes, secrets, and remorse as they strive to learn the truth. They must deal with the fallout from their cyberbullying and the effects of their behavior on Laura Barns. The companions need to find a method to make it through the night and undo Laura Barns' spiteful spirit's curse before it's too late as the paranormal activities get more intense.
Unfriended Ending Explained
"Unfriended" has a terrible and eerie conclusion. It becomes evident that the companions cannot flee Laura Barns' vengeful ghost as the paranormal activities intensify and their secrets are revealed. The companions suffer horrifying fates one by one, such as being murdered by paranormal entities or being driven to commit suicide. In the closing scenes of the film, Blaire, the last survivor, learns that Mitch, her boyfriend, was responsible for the cyberbullying that ultimately caused Laura Barns to commit suicide.
When Blaire confronts Mitch, it becomes clear that he was the one who set up the fictitious social media profile that cyberbullied Laura and ultimately led to her suicide. Blaire tries unsuccessfully to remove the damaging evidence from the discussion after learning this shocking information. In the end, Laura Barns' spirit exacts her ultimate retribution. With all of her friends gone and her relationship with Mitch destroyed, Blaire is now totally alone.
Blaire's computer screen glitches as the film comes to a close, and Laura's ghost appears to be standing behind her, suggesting that she may also have met Laura's wrath. The tragic conclusion of "Unfriended" serves as a warning about the real-world repercussions of online behavior and cyberbullying. It serves as a frightening reminder of the possible risks associated with online contacts and the significance of exercising caution when acting online.
Unfriended Review
The 2014 movie "Unfriended" garnered conflicting reviews from critics and viewers. It was acclaimed for its creative storytelling and topical study of cyberbullying and the dark side of internet communication as a singular found footage-style horror movie that appears entirely on a computer screen. Strengths mentioned for the movie included its tense atmosphere, smart use of technology, and strong jump scares. However, some reviewers thought the premise was unbelievable and the characters were unlikeable.
While others said the film's inability to generate tension and scares were due to the format restrictions of the computer screen. Other criticisms included the exploitation of paranormal components and the portrayal of suicide as a story mechanism.
Unfriended Movie Success and Sequel
Despite receiving negative reviews, "Unfriended" was a commercial success, earning over $64 million globally on a $1 million budget, inspiring a follow-up. The 2018 standalone sequel "Unfriended: Dark Web" also uses recovered footage to present a distinct plot and cast of individuals. In the movie "Dark Web," a brand-new group of pals gets entangled in a web of illicit activities and frightening secrets after discovering a hidden laptop. Similarly mixed reviews were given to the sequel, with some applauding its suspenseful moments and others considering it less potent than the first.
Is Unfriended based on a true story - FAQs
During their Skype talk, six high school kids are plagued by a Heather Sossaman-played victim of their bullying who took his own life.
The film's major antagonist, Blaire Lily, was a friend of Laura Barns but also the one who released a video of her that prompted Laura to commit suicide. For selfish reasons, she also permits the murder of two of Laura's friends during the course of the narrative.
The actress Heather Sossamon played the fictional character Laura Barns; she is not a real person.
She was probably slain by Laura Barns at the conclusion of Unfriended, but it's not certain if she lived or died because her corpse is never revealed or seen.
The MPAA has given Unfriended an R rating due to its violent material, frequent language, some sexual content, and use of drugs and alcohol.