Come Play (2020) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Come Play (2020), directed by Jacob Chase, is a supernatural horror film that taps into the primal fears of isolation, technology, and the unknown. The movie centers around a nonverbal autistic boy named Oliver, who becomes the target of a malevolent creature seeking friendship through his electronic devices. Combining elements of modern tech horror with the emotional depth of family dynamics, Come Play offers both chilling scares and a poignant message about loneliness and connection.
In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, themes, performances, and technical achievements, as well as where to watch Come Play online through popular streaming services and rental platforms in the U.S.
Plot Overview: A Friend or a Foe?
Oliver (Azhy Robertson) is a young boy on the autism spectrum, struggling to connect with others and communicate. His primary mode of interaction with the world is through his tablet, which he uses for both entertainment and as an assistive device for communication. His parents, Sarah (Gillian Jacobs) and Marty (John Gallagher Jr.), are struggling with their own issues—Sarah’s overprotectiveness and Marty’s emotional distance—adding tension to the family dynamic.
One day, Oliver’s tablet begins displaying a mysterious interactive storybook about a creature named Larry, a lonely entity who wants nothing more than a friend. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Larry isn’t just a fictional character. The more Oliver interacts with the book, the more Larry begins to manifest in the real world, threatening not only Oliver but also his family and friends. The film’s horror escalates as the creature uses technology—tablets, phones, TVs—as a portal to enter the physical world, leading to a terrifying struggle to protect Oliver from this otherworldly menace.
Themes: Loneliness, Connection, and the Dangers of Technology
Come Play is more than just a supernatural horror story—it’s also a meditation on loneliness and the desire for connection, particularly through the lens of modern technology. Oliver, unable to speak and feeling isolated from his peers, finds solace in his tablet, which ironically becomes the medium through which Larry tries to enter his life. The film highlights how technology can bridge gaps but also create dangers when it becomes a substitute for real human interaction.
The theme of loneliness extends to Larry, the malevolent creature, who represents the darker side of isolation. Larry’s desperation for friendship mirrors Oliver’s own struggles, turning the creature into a twisted reflection of what happens when loneliness and rejection become overwhelming. This dual exploration of human connection—both the desire for it and the fear of it—is one of the film’s more intriguing aspects.
The dangers of technology are another prominent theme, as Come Play explores the idea that our constant connection to screens can be both comforting and perilous. The use of everyday devices like tablets, smartphones, and televisions as the mediums through which the horror manifests adds a modern twist to the haunted-house formula, making the supernatural threat feel more immediate and relatable in today’s digital age.
Performances: Azhy Robertson Shines as Oliver
The success of Come Play largely hinges on Azhy Robertson’s performance as Oliver, and the young actor delivers a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of a child with autism. Robertson, who gained attention for his role in Marriage Story, imbues Oliver with vulnerability and strength, making his character both sympathetic and compelling. His ability to convey complex emotions without dialogue adds emotional depth to the film, and his interactions with the creature Larry are particularly effective in building tension.
Gillian Jacobs and John Gallagher Jr. provide strong supporting performances as Oliver’s parents, Sarah and Marty. Jacobs, best known for her work in comedies like Community, shows a more dramatic side here, capturing the frustration and protectiveness of a mother trying to shield her son from a danger she doesn’t fully understand. Gallagher Jr. portrays Marty as a father who struggles to connect with his son but ultimately steps up when the stakes become life-threatening.
The dynamic between the family members adds an emotional layer to the horror, making the film more than just a series of jump scares. As Oliver’s parents grapple with their own relationship issues while trying to protect their son, the family drama heightens the stakes and grounds the supernatural elements in real-world concerns.
Cinematography and Direction: A Modern Tech-Horror Aesthetic
Jacob Chase, making his feature film debut, directs Come Play with a clear understanding of how to blend traditional horror with the anxieties of modern technology. The film’s visual style leans heavily into the eerie potential of dark rooms illuminated by glowing screens, using the cold, artificial light from tablets and phones to create an unsettling atmosphere.
The creature design for Larry is one of the film’s standout achievements. Larry is depicted as a tall, lanky figure with unnervingly long limbs, often seen only in glimpses through electronic screens. This choice to obscure the creature for much of the film adds to the tension and sense of dread, as the audience is left to imagine the full extent of Larry’s form. When Larry finally does appear in full, his design—reminiscent of a digital glitch come to life—is both creepy and innovative, perfectly matching the film’s tech-focused horror.
The film’s sound design also deserves mention, as it plays a crucial role in building tension. The distorted, glitchy sounds of electronic devices become synonymous with Larry’s presence, making everyday technology feel sinister. This auditory motif effectively signals the creature’s approach, keeping the audience on edge throughout the film.
Where to Watch Come Play Online: Streaming and Rental Options
If you’re looking to stream or rent Come Play online in the U.S., there are several platforms where the film is available. Here are the best options:
1. Amazon Prime Video
Come Play is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. You can rent the film in HD for $5.99 or purchase it for $14.99. Prime Video offers excellent streaming quality across various devices, making it a convenient option for watching this eerie tech-horror film.
2. Apple TV
Another option is Apple TV, where you can rent Come Play for $5.99 or purchase it for $14.99. Apple TV’s user-friendly interface and high-definition streaming make it a great platform for watching the film in high quality.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play offers Come Play for rental at $5.99 and purchase at $14.99. It’s a good choice for Android users or anyone who prefers to watch on mobile devices, as it syncs easily across multiple platforms.
4. Vudu
Vudu also carries Come Play for rent at $5.99 and purchase at $14.99. Vudu’s strong streaming capabilities and easy-to-navigate platform make it a solid option for renting or buying the film.
5. YouTube Movies
YouTube Movies offers the film for rental at $5.99 and purchase at $14.99. As with other platforms, YouTube Movies allows for streaming on any device with internet access, making it a flexible option for viewers.
6. Hulu (with FXM add-on)
Occasionally, Come Play may be available on Hulu through the FXM add-on, which offers a rotating selection of films. Check the platform periodically to see if it’s included in the available movie lineup for subscribers.
Conclusion: A Modern Horror with Emotional Depth
Come Play successfully blends supernatural horror with the emotional depth of a family drama, making it more than just a typical creature feature. The film taps into modern fears about technology, while also addressing timeless themes of loneliness, connection, and the struggle to communicate. Azhy Robertson’s standout performance as Oliver adds emotional weight to the story, and Jacob Chase’s direction ensures that the horror elements are effective without overshadowing the film’s heart.
With its unique take on tech-based horror and strong performances, Come Play is a must-watch for fans of supernatural thrillers. The film’s availability on several streaming and rental platforms makes it easy to experience the chilling story of Larry and Oliver from the comfort of home.
