Utopia’s critically acclaimed psychological cyber-horror Red Rooms opens Friday, September 6th, at the IFC Center in New York City. Writer/director Pascal Plante calls the film “true-crime meets genre cinema.” He promises an exploration of our fascination with serial killers and the dangers lurking in the dark corners of the internet.
Inspired by the unsettling rumors of “red rooms“—online spaces rumored to host violent content—Red Rooms delves into the disturbing phenomenon of serial killer fandom. Plante further grounds the film in the reality of today’s cybersecurity threats, creating a terrifying killer born in the digital age.
More than just a horror film, Red Rooms offers a nuanced commentary on our relationship with technology. The movie doesn’t rely on graphic violence to be chilling. Instead, it focuses on the psychological impact of exposure to such darkness. Plante uses the central character to explore how technology can fuel loneliness and isolation, driving individuals toward dark obsessions.
In the film, Kelly-Anne becomes enthralled by the trial of Ludovic Chevalier, a man accused of murdering three teenage girls. Two murders were captured on video and sold on the dark web, further fueling Kelly-Anne’s morbid fascination. The film follows her descent into obsession as she navigates the emotional toll on herself and the victims’ families. Kelly-Anne, desperate to find the final video, pushes her boundaries, blurring the lines between reality and her morbid fixation.
Red Rooms marks Montreal filmmaker Pascal Plante’s third feature film. The film boasts a talented cast, including Juliette Gariépy (Home Turf) as Kelly-Anne and Laurie Babin.
Red Rooms is a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone interested in the complex relationship between modern society, technology, and our darkest impulses. A wide release should be announced soon. In the meantime, check out the trailer below.
