The Rebrand is a fun and exciting addition to Salem Horror Fest this year. Written by Kaye Adelaide and Nancy Webb and directed by Adelaide, we are greeted with a found footage, documentary-style horror comedy ready for all the big screens. Once I dove into this movie, it’s no wonder it won Best Feature at Salem Horror Fest this year.
The Rebrand is set up in a mockumentary style. Think of a well-made series on YouTube. Don’t let this deter you in any way, though. The quality is phenomenal, considering the $5,000 budget. The show we are supposed to be watching is part of the True LGBTQ+ Stories “Crime Queens” series hosted by Tranna Wintour. Already grabbed my attention. I mean, who doesn’t consume a little too much true crime these days?
Canceled Influencers
The story follows Blair (Andi E. McQueen) and Thistle (Nancy Webb), a same sex couple who are very popular influencers. They’ve invited Nicole (Naomi Silver -Vézina) to film a documentary of their lives after they recently made some transphobic comments. Yeah, and they were accidentally recorded, which aired during a live stream. The canceled lesbian influencers are looking to rebrand themselves. True to form, like many influencers today, they must keep going in hopes that you will forget.
Blair loves Thistle very much, and Thistle takes advantage of this fact. We see a relationship that’s unfairly skewed in favor of one person. Thistle does seem to care for Blair, but when you see that Blair actually has to hide parts of herself from Thistle, you see that things are not fairly balanced. I wouldn’t go so far as to say emotionally abusive, but it’s hard not to see elements of it. Thankfully—or perhaps not—Nicole is there to catch all this on camera. And, of course, Nicole never stops filming.
A lot of what we see during Nicole’s filming is just a cute, awkward couple. Perhaps one who has become a little too accustomed to being in front of the camera for content. When it comes time for those unstaged moments, it’s actually kind of endearing, even if a bit uncomfortable. There’s one moment in the movie where they have a talent show. Blair decides to tell a story, which turns out to be rather graphic. While the story may not have been suitable for mixed company, Blair and Thistle are pleased with her storytelling capabilities. Her talent, I’m guessing?
It’s Getting Creepy in Here
As Nicole continues to film the couple, she tries to leave several times. She’s eight months pregnant and was only supposed to stay for one day, but has been convinced to stay longer. Watching these moments with Nicole filming reminds me a great deal of Creep, directed by Patrick Brice. Not so much that we think of it as a replica, though.
It’s also the plausible moments that keep someone tethered to a location, even when we scream, “get out,” that pull you in. And it all keeps mounting up to some batshit craziness you just know is coming up – the real reason Nicole was invited to stay with Blair and Thistle. Even if you feel that you see the ending coming, the ride is such an adventure.
Now, The Rebrand does have its moments of disbelief and “gimme a break” as most movies do. But it’s not so much that it detracts from the fun of the film. The pacing and length of the movie make it run even smoother, and it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Overall, The Rebrand is a solid, fun flick. It’s a thrilling good time. Support Queer cinema, and watch The Rebrand!
For more festival reviews, just click here!
