The horror movie Come Play centers on a lonely, non-verbal boy whose constant reliance on digital devices opens a terrifying portal for a monstrous entity seeking a friend.
The film delves into the story of Oliver, a young boy with autism who struggles to communicate and find friends in the real world. As a result, he is often glued to his tablet and smartphone, finding solace and interaction through screens. However, his digital world takes a horrific and supernatural turn when a gruesome monster, named Larry, uses Oliver's electronic devices to manifest and enter his reality.
The Premise: A Digital Monster's Plea
Come Play explores the dangers of excessive screen time and the potential for isolation, using a supernatural entity as a metaphor. Larry is a creature from another dimension who desperately wants a friend. He can only be seen through screens—smartphones, tablets, and even televisions—and he uses this unique ability to communicate with and eventually try to kidnap Oliver.
The monster's increasing presence forces Oliver's parents, Sarah and Marty, to confront their own issues, including their failing marriage and their inability to fully connect with their son. They must find a way to understand and protect Oliver from Larry, who grows stronger with every device he influences and every minute Oliver spends looking at a screen.
Key Aspects and Themes
- Technology as a Conduit: The film cleverly uses everyday technology, turning familiar devices into tools of terror. Larry's inability to exist without a screen highlights modern fears about digital dependency.
- Loneliness and Connection: At its heart, Come Play is a story about the universal desire for connection. Both Oliver and Larry are lonely, albeit in very different ways, driving the core conflict.
- Parental Struggles: Sarah and Marty's journey is a significant part of the narrative, as they grapple with their son's unique needs, their own marital problems, and the terrifying threat posed by Larry.
- Origins: The feature film Come Play is an expansion of director Jacob Chase's popular 2017 short film, Larry, which garnered significant attention for its innovative horror concept.
Main Characters
| Character | Role in the Story | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Oliver | Protagonist, a lonely non-verbal boy | Dependent on screens, target of Larry |
| Larry | The monster, an entity from another dimension | Can only be seen through screens, seeks a friend |
| Sarah | Oliver's mother | Protective, struggles with her son's condition |
| Marty | Oliver's father | Often absent, tries to reconnect with his family |
The movie combines elements of psychological horror with creature feature tropes, creating a suspenseful and emotionally resonant experience. It serves as a chilling reminder of how our digital habits can blur the lines between reality and the unknown.
For more information on the film, you can visit its pages on IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes.
