Spree

Kurt Kunkle is a rideshare driver convinced that viral fame is just one shocking clip away. He outfits his car with cameras, livestreams passengers, and stages increasingly extreme stunts to grow his follower count. At first his antics seem engineered to provoke attention more than harm, but as the scale rises the consequences feel bleaker and more real. The story stays close to Kurt's filtered perspective, showing how social metrics warp priorities and normalize cruelty without revealing key plot turns. Tension builds quickly and stays consistently high throughout, mixing dark comedy with thriller beats as the stakes keep getting worse.

Spree was released in 2020, directed by Eugene Kotlyarenko from a screenplay by Gene McHugh, and features Joe Keery in the lead alongside Sasheer Zamata and David Arquette. It was produced independently, emphasizing a raw, satirical look at fame culture.

After a limited theatrical run and virtual festival screenings, Spree reached most viewers through VOD and streaming, producing modest box office receipts while building a niche audience online. Modest theatrical returns were overshadowed by strong digital word of mouth online.

The film sparked conversations about influencer culture and performative violence, with Joe Keery's unsettling turn drawing attention. Its satirical take on social metrics inspired think pieces and online debate about ethics, surveillance, and how platforms reward spectacle. It prompted debates on platform ethics and influence, especially among younger viewers online.

Critics were divided but often praised the movie's satirical aim and Keery's performance, while some found the tone uneven and the violence polarizing. Themes include the hunger for followers, the commodification of attention, and how online validation can erode empathy. Some viewers praised its edge, others criticized its moral ambiguity openly.