About the film (courtesy of Focus Features):
Newcomer Azhy Robertson stars as Oliver, a lonely young boy who feels different from everyone else. Desperate for a friend, he seeks solace and refuge in his ever-present cell phone and tablet. When a mysterious creature uses Oliver’s devices against him to break into our world, Oliver’s parents (Gillian Jacobs and John Gallagher Jr.) must fight to save their son from the monster beyond the screen.
Come Play feels like a cruise ship tribute band that is trying its best, but there’s a reason why they’re booked on the open seas for weeks at a time rather than headlining in Madison Square Garden. On a positive note, at least you’re on vacation listening to live music. It’s all about perspective and in this case you’re getting something that technically isn’t a replay, so take your wins where you can get them.
Originality is a concept that’s not even attempted by writer/director Jacob Chase. The all-too-familiar plotline plays out with no real surprises, leaving viewers feeling as though they’ve seen this somewhere before. It is true that this title is based upon a short film by the same writer/director called Larry (2017), but that is not the reason for the feeling of déjà vu. The harsh reality is that creating unique experiences is a lot tougher than we, not in the business, realize. So with that being said, I’m not going to hang Come Play on the incompetent closest just for that.
The simple fact is we’re craving anything and everything that offers a new experience to us in a time that isn’t ready to unleash its most prized possessions just yet. Warner Bros. gambled and lost while going all-in with the hugely expensive Tenet and I feel like it still serves as a cautionary tale to other studios. So just like these studios’ box office projections, we also have to lower our bar. Chances are that we are not going to see the greatest of content for a while longer yet.
With that in mind, Come Play is a serviceable entry to have on the docket during Halloween season. Films and television series featuring a younger cast seams to have found decent footing in recent years. This is in no doubt thanks to shows such as Stranger Things and movies like IT (2017), where it’s the non-adults that these plots are surrounding. Coming in with a less restrictive PG-13 rating is just another reason that places this title in the best spot for it to succeed.
Come Play is far from scary or disturbing even though it has a “Slender-Man” vibe to it in parts. Weighing in around the 90 minute mark is often a good place to be and this one falls right in that range. Using a slow burn approach with a sense of impending doom does provide a bit of tension. And you do develop sort of an attachment to some of the characters.
I would still view Come Play as a “horror-lite” offering that is probably best suited for the uninitiated in the horror genre or those that cannot handle too intense of a fear factor while finding enjoyment. You can find out for yourselves when it releases in theaters starting Friday, October 30.
