Time for some bloody, violent, gory fun. In today’s climate, social networking is both a blessing and a curse. For the people who work in the public eye, this means their life and work depends on surviving social media. Unfortunately, that’s also breeding ground for unchecked, toxic, abusive behavior. What if you could hunt down every troll that’s ever spewed vitriol at you?
The Columnist was directed by Ivo van Aart based on the screenplay from Daan Windhorst. Femke Boot (Katja Herbers) writes a column in the local paper and is trying to write a book. She’s made one attempt to write about something serious and is getting crucified by nasty, vile comments that wish her the worst of fates. This is not name-calling, these are people that love to spew death threats, depictions of rape and false accusations without a care in the world.
In a satirical turn of fate, Femke seems to lose whatever holds her back and starts hunting down her online trolls one by one. Horror? Not really. This is dark comedy at its best as murder is the best alternative to blocking and doxxing. Femke is out for pure and unrestrained revenge. This one would have been a hoot to watch with a Fantasia crowd. Definitely irresponsable and over the top, but nevertheless delivering a sliver of social critique.
Highly recommended with one slightly downer. Remember you can’t kill haters and trolls, no matter how nasty they are. At least we get to see it happen in a movie for our guilty delight. If you’ve ever have to deal with online hate or just hate comments of nasty visual descriptive nature without being able to fight back, this movie is the best way to release your frustration. Another Fantasia favorite for sure.
That will do for now.
Never Think Impossible 