26 reviews
It's ok but I'm still confused
Not bad, but rife with flaws
The movie has a strong opening that creates a curiosity to see what happened, and where the story is going. The acting is fine - for this kind of movie. I don't think 'slasher' films are known for their superb acting, or scripts.
There are so many holes in the story, though, that it starts to become distracting. Particularly the last minutes of the film, where characters seem to be coming out of nowhere, without any reasonable motivation to be there in the scene at all.
So, yes, the 'exploiter/hacker' isn't too hard to figure out. But the big reveal at the end is usurped by the earlier scene when you think - "Oh, hell, who else could it possibly be!?"
People you saw being murdered, stabbed through the heart, magically reappear alive and well. Some of the situations are simply silly if for no other reason than the characters that show up in them.
There are gay characters, but I wouldn't really characterize it as a 'gay film.'
If you have nothing else to do, and want to watch a mystery whodunnit sort of movie, it's an option.
But, for the record, it's NOT about, as the blurb suggests, "A college freshman becomes obsessed with the previous owner of his school issued laptop." It's a thumb drive, and his wasn't issued to him by the school. But how it ended up in his possession is one more thing that is shown, but not quite explained. Was it stashed in a draw? Who put it there? Did it belong to the roommate? Was it left in the room by last year's occupant?
Right off the bat, the premise isn't really explained. I guess I'm a stickler for details. This missed a lot of them.
There are so many holes in the story, though, that it starts to become distracting. Particularly the last minutes of the film, where characters seem to be coming out of nowhere, without any reasonable motivation to be there in the scene at all.
So, yes, the 'exploiter/hacker' isn't too hard to figure out. But the big reveal at the end is usurped by the earlier scene when you think - "Oh, hell, who else could it possibly be!?"
People you saw being murdered, stabbed through the heart, magically reappear alive and well. Some of the situations are simply silly if for no other reason than the characters that show up in them.
There are gay characters, but I wouldn't really characterize it as a 'gay film.'
If you have nothing else to do, and want to watch a mystery whodunnit sort of movie, it's an option.
But, for the record, it's NOT about, as the blurb suggests, "A college freshman becomes obsessed with the previous owner of his school issued laptop." It's a thumb drive, and his wasn't issued to him by the school. But how it ended up in his possession is one more thing that is shown, but not quite explained. Was it stashed in a draw? Who put it there? Did it belong to the roommate? Was it left in the room by last year's occupant?
Right off the bat, the premise isn't really explained. I guess I'm a stickler for details. This missed a lot of them.
A disappointing try at a gay-themed horrorflick
The dvd promised to be a sensuous gay-themed horror-thriller. Since horror and LGBT is a pretty unique combination, and 99 percent of the regular horror flicks have sexy girls as main characters, and hardly ever an attractive guy, my hopes were high. Unfortunately it turned out as a disappoint.
Maybe the premise (a creepy masked SM-fetishist has video-sex with guys on a college-campus, and in the process begins to stalk and physically attack his followers) had serious potential. But the way the story was written was rather lame and chaotic, with long stretches of hardly anything happening, and then in the end a ludicrous, totally over-the-top and unrealistic final showdown, while the ultimate revelation of the identity of the masked person was pretty obvious from the start.
Another negative point was the acting: while most of the girls were reasonably adequate, all the guys acted like wooden robots, droning their lines. Such a waste of their good looks and of some awesome bodies (especially Jordan Ver Hoeve!). The gay aspects were a bit disappointing anyway: yes, there was lots of sex going on (on the web-cam shots and in reality) but mostly implied and in no way more daring then in any other high school themed horror flick: some making out, some modest (male) skin, but nothing beyond the regular respectable boundaries.
Maybe the premise (a creepy masked SM-fetishist has video-sex with guys on a college-campus, and in the process begins to stalk and physically attack his followers) had serious potential. But the way the story was written was rather lame and chaotic, with long stretches of hardly anything happening, and then in the end a ludicrous, totally over-the-top and unrealistic final showdown, while the ultimate revelation of the identity of the masked person was pretty obvious from the start.
Another negative point was the acting: while most of the girls were reasonably adequate, all the guys acted like wooden robots, droning their lines. Such a waste of their good looks and of some awesome bodies (especially Jordan Ver Hoeve!). The gay aspects were a bit disappointing anyway: yes, there was lots of sex going on (on the web-cam shots and in reality) but mostly implied and in no way more daring then in any other high school themed horror flick: some making out, some modest (male) skin, but nothing beyond the regular respectable boundaries.
- johannes2000-1
- Jan 18, 2024
- Permalink
Not very good
To the one review saying that only homophobes will dislike this movie, I am gay, and neither me nor my husband liked this movie.
With that out of the way, there is one positive I have, the directing. Director Jon Abrahams (yes, the guy from Scary Movie and the House of Wax remake), showed a lot of potential here, and was easily the best part of the film. Really solid panning shots, and not any particularly bad shots either. He could easily direct some great films with the right script.
Onto the bad. The acting and script are both mediocre at best. No one turns in a particularly great performance, and some are downright bad (granted, the dialogue doesn't help them any). The script is the main offender, which has a LOT of problems.
First off, this is hardly a horror/slasher, it's basically a mystery with slight (and I mean slight) horror elements for about 80% of its runtime, which an really low body count. As a result, it's kinda just boring up until the over the top crazy finale. I expected this to be bad, but in a fun so bad it's good type of way, which it didn't become until the end (at least those sweet panning shots looked nice though).
The whodunnit aspect was incredibly predictable. If you've ever seen a whodunnit before, you should have absolutely no problem figuring this one out. It's possibly the easiest to figure out of any movie/show/game/book I've ever witnessed.
All that said, there is quite a bit of nudity/sex in this. So that may be a positive for some (although I didn't personally enjoy these scenes, to each their own).
Overall, it's pretty bad, but by no means the worst gay film I've seen. Probably not even in the bottom 20 worst gay films I've seen. So while I wouldn't recommend this, there are worse films out there, and this is arguably the best "gay slasher" since there's little competition. The main takeaway is that Jon Abrahams should direct more films. He's really quite good.
With that out of the way, there is one positive I have, the directing. Director Jon Abrahams (yes, the guy from Scary Movie and the House of Wax remake), showed a lot of potential here, and was easily the best part of the film. Really solid panning shots, and not any particularly bad shots either. He could easily direct some great films with the right script.
Onto the bad. The acting and script are both mediocre at best. No one turns in a particularly great performance, and some are downright bad (granted, the dialogue doesn't help them any). The script is the main offender, which has a LOT of problems.
First off, this is hardly a horror/slasher, it's basically a mystery with slight (and I mean slight) horror elements for about 80% of its runtime, which an really low body count. As a result, it's kinda just boring up until the over the top crazy finale. I expected this to be bad, but in a fun so bad it's good type of way, which it didn't become until the end (at least those sweet panning shots looked nice though).
The whodunnit aspect was incredibly predictable. If you've ever seen a whodunnit before, you should have absolutely no problem figuring this one out. It's possibly the easiest to figure out of any movie/show/game/book I've ever witnessed.
All that said, there is quite a bit of nudity/sex in this. So that may be a positive for some (although I didn't personally enjoy these scenes, to each their own).
Overall, it's pretty bad, but by no means the worst gay film I've seen. Probably not even in the bottom 20 worst gay films I've seen. So while I wouldn't recommend this, there are worse films out there, and this is arguably the best "gay slasher" since there's little competition. The main takeaway is that Jon Abrahams should direct more films. He's really quite good.
- yoshinaruto
- Apr 1, 2022
- Permalink
You're being exploited by watching it
To the folks that say because there's nudity in a film it's not for teens, you are obviously clueless! If anything violence should not be for young people!!
The film itself is poorly written, acted, and in many ways unrealistic. The first thing, yes there's a gay sex scene and in many ways it goes against not only most college rules (you cannot consent while under the influence of alcohol/drugs) but feels really fake. But of course, they need to add the gay sex scene.
Moving on, the rest of the film tries to be tense but really it loses itself into nonsense while trying to be too clever.
The film itself is poorly written, acted, and in many ways unrealistic. The first thing, yes there's a gay sex scene and in many ways it goes against not only most college rules (you cannot consent while under the influence of alcohol/drugs) but feels really fake. But of course, they need to add the gay sex scene.
Moving on, the rest of the film tries to be tense but really it loses itself into nonsense while trying to be too clever.
- DongDiggity
- Apr 30, 2022
- Permalink
There's Nothing Horror About This
Ok so, unless you're looking to watch a cable version of gay porn, you need to skip this cause the only thing getting exploited here is the horror genre.
Call me what you want, homophobe blah blah blah cause that's everyone's go to if they say anything negative about gay culture. In fact, it's used and abused so much it really has lost all its meaning. You know, people can just not like stuff because they just didn't like it.
Anywho, the review that referred to this as a slasher, uhm that would require some slashing, which there is none of in this movie. So again, not a horror, not a slasher and not good either.
The review that says 99% of people have bad taste in movies, art, and music and whatever and spends half their review trying to convince you and begs you to listen to their review and only their review. Yeah that sounds like someone that's pretty close minded to me and the exact type of review to NOT listen to and to definitely ignore.
So pretty much the story is really just showing how awful people can be to each other using the internet as a vice, tool, and a weapon and well I'm pretty sure we all already know about that. Seriously though, be warned, this is not for anyone who has issues with LGBT cause that's really all this is, a cable gay fluff film.
Call me what you want, homophobe blah blah blah cause that's everyone's go to if they say anything negative about gay culture. In fact, it's used and abused so much it really has lost all its meaning. You know, people can just not like stuff because they just didn't like it.
Anywho, the review that referred to this as a slasher, uhm that would require some slashing, which there is none of in this movie. So again, not a horror, not a slasher and not good either.
The review that says 99% of people have bad taste in movies, art, and music and whatever and spends half their review trying to convince you and begs you to listen to their review and only their review. Yeah that sounds like someone that's pretty close minded to me and the exact type of review to NOT listen to and to definitely ignore.
So pretty much the story is really just showing how awful people can be to each other using the internet as a vice, tool, and a weapon and well I'm pretty sure we all already know about that. Seriously though, be warned, this is not for anyone who has issues with LGBT cause that's really all this is, a cable gay fluff film.
So much doesn't make any sense
I'm not at all sure that I even know what this is about. Sort of a gay slasher film?! Some cute guys, but I can't think of any other reason to recommend it. For something that is both violent and sexual, it is never scary, suspenseful or erotic. I've seen worse, though not much worse. I do not believe the many positive reviews on here are real. They've got to be written by those connected with the film or friends.
- justahunch-70549
- Jul 11, 2022
- Permalink
Not a movie, per se
So, as I said, this cannot be called movie. It is a sequence of sexual encounters, privacy violation, filthy behaviors and ZERO plot.
The use of sexual innuendo, clearly, is a unknow territory for the director.
Also, the acting is pretty weak.
The use of sexual innuendo, clearly, is a unknow territory for the director.
Also, the acting is pretty weak.
- riodoce-advogado
- Mar 13, 2022
- Permalink
its gay and its okay!
Bad acting aside, i thought the movie was enjoyable. The plot overall is more than okay IMO. Did suck me into the who's-the-real-killer mystery which drived me to finish the movie.
- otheruser1689
- Jun 11, 2022
- Permalink
Very bad
Very bad ...don't waste your time.bad story .poor direction ..evry thing is just rubbish.also the director is crazy lol.the main actor is silly ...the worst I have ever seen.
Surprisingly good
I really don't get the bad reviews this movie has been getting on here. Sure it does have some B-Movie qualities to it, so if you come to this expecting Oscar winning performances and stellar cinematography you will be disappointed.
This movie takes itself seriously just enough to make the plot engaging and the campy elements of it entertaining.
I am all for positive representation in the media specially when it comes to the LGTB+ community and this movie does just this, without losing sight of what it is, a slasher/thriller set on Campus.
Hope we get to see more of these come out in the coming years. If you are up for being entertained and B-movies with an engaging plot are your thing, give this one a chance.
This movie takes itself seriously just enough to make the plot engaging and the campy elements of it entertaining.
I am all for positive representation in the media specially when it comes to the LGTB+ community and this movie does just this, without losing sight of what it is, a slasher/thriller set on Campus.
Hope we get to see more of these come out in the coming years. If you are up for being entertained and B-movies with an engaging plot are your thing, give this one a chance.
- egarridocruz
- Nov 27, 2022
- Permalink
Entertaining but not fulfilling
If you want to watch a homoerotic horror then you definitely need to add it to your watch list. As far as B level horror is considered the acting is satisfactory and the filmography is as good as can be expected. Having attractive men as the characters in focus is a nice change from the genres norm and the plot is engaging the whole way through. Some graphic scenes of rape are depicted and as the title suggests, you almost feel exploited watching it as the character's scenes up to that point want you seeing more of him and you get it in an uncomfortable way. The ending has a few plots holes that doesn't end in a totally satisfying way... its definitely worthwhile if you've exhausted your watchlist and are looking to be entertained for the night.
- timotheywood
- Apr 17, 2024
- Permalink
Undeserving of a 3.8 rating!
I've sat through many a big budget horror film that was far, far worse. Here's what I'll say. The film held my attention throughout. The characters were interesting, and the acting strong. The film has a polished and professional look and feel -- certainly as professional as any mainstream Hollywood horror genre film. The film also kept me guessing about the killer and it did not have that typical "third act letdown" that so many horror films have.
Why such a low rating?
I can understand 6 stars but less than 5?
The acting is not the best but the storytelling has enough gold to make it worth more than 6. The manipulation was top notch. Most gay films or gay-as-protagonist films have a lot of tragedy, no suspense--they just feel dry and depressing. This one was more than that. Gay-as-protagonist typically means stereotype-as-expected. Not this film.
I recognize Jeremy from other movies, didn't recognize Brian. I think the end, the actors were more believable. What more can I say other than this film needs more eyes on it. It has potential to being loved by more than just me.
The acting is not the best but the storytelling has enough gold to make it worth more than 6. The manipulation was top notch. Most gay films or gay-as-protagonist films have a lot of tragedy, no suspense--they just feel dry and depressing. This one was more than that. Gay-as-protagonist typically means stereotype-as-expected. Not this film.
I recognize Jeremy from other movies, didn't recognize Brian. I think the end, the actors were more believable. What more can I say other than this film needs more eyes on it. It has potential to being loved by more than just me.
- felinefury82
- Jun 14, 2023
- Permalink
EXPLICIT
Exploited Is X plicit
This movie makes Ti West's X look tame in comparison Good murder mystery thriller The story is mostly centered around the mystery Some of the male students in a college dorm are being blackmailed and threatened I should warn you This movie definitely has a soft porn vibe going on
Not that I have a problem with porn
It's just that me personally I'd rather go to a porn site and watch the real thing
I should warn you if you're homophobic or your not into gay male relationships You probably should just pass on this movie It's definitely graphic and doesn't pull back on the nudity I Watched it on Tubi.
Great for a Gay Film
Usually gay movies (not Oscar-bait bs) are terrible. Really terrible. Usually they're romantic comedies. This is not that. This is a very nicely-produced movie and it even features good actors. There should be more movies like this: it's sexy, fun, stupid, suspenseful, and campy. Either you like that combination of things or you don't. I do.
These filmmakers by the way should have made Cold Moon Over Babylon. The villain in this, although he doesn't have an exposed hairy chest, conjured up in my mind what I imagined Michael McDowell's villain to look like. Unfortunately that book was made into a film sans McDowell's gay sensibilities and completely blew chunks.
Exploited's user rating definitely should not be hovering around the 3.5 territory. If you ever wanted to like David DeCoteau's gay genre flicks but couldn't, this movie is a giant step up from those. And while I'm beyond sick to death of gay coming out stories, this one doesn't count because it has so much else going on. Worth a watch.
These filmmakers by the way should have made Cold Moon Over Babylon. The villain in this, although he doesn't have an exposed hairy chest, conjured up in my mind what I imagined Michael McDowell's villain to look like. Unfortunately that book was made into a film sans McDowell's gay sensibilities and completely blew chunks.
Exploited's user rating definitely should not be hovering around the 3.5 territory. If you ever wanted to like David DeCoteau's gay genre flicks but couldn't, this movie is a giant step up from those. And while I'm beyond sick to death of gay coming out stories, this one doesn't count because it has so much else going on. Worth a watch.
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.
If you look at my review history, you can tell that my taste in films is not bad. If I tell you a movie is bad, believe me. But when I tell you a movie is fun, enjoyable and even sexy, believe me more. This is one of those movies. To me, gay films fall into two categories; exceptional (Brokeback Mountain, Free Fall, ect.) and unwatchable (almost every other gay movie). This movie was so well done, I began to wonder why I haven't seen these people before. The cast had great chemistry and the film was shot with a stylish eye, as if the people involved in the creative side of it had some actual talent. It was fun watching all the characters interact with each other's and they were all capable and competent actors that really sold the story.
Speaking of the story, it was actually kind of original and an interesting take on how people deal with situations in the age of IG and revenge porn. I didn't see some of twists coming, although I accurately identified the killer within the first 30 minutes (pay attention to everyone). The story got a bit confusing towards the end, simply because they throw so many relationships and interactions at you at once, but the ending was satisfying and made an already good film that much better.
Overall, it started off as a sexy thriller that evolved into a more serious film that was still really enjoyable. I don't normally give such high praises to movies, especially gay films since they tend to be so hit and miss, but this one is a winner!
Side note; It seems like those giving this movie a bad review are either homophobic/lame or (most likely) have bad taste. Look at their review and watch history before you take anything they say at face value. 99% of people have horrible taste in movies, music and art, so remember to do your own research before you listen to people with poor taste.
Speaking of the story, it was actually kind of original and an interesting take on how people deal with situations in the age of IG and revenge porn. I didn't see some of twists coming, although I accurately identified the killer within the first 30 minutes (pay attention to everyone). The story got a bit confusing towards the end, simply because they throw so many relationships and interactions at you at once, but the ending was satisfying and made an already good film that much better.
Overall, it started off as a sexy thriller that evolved into a more serious film that was still really enjoyable. I don't normally give such high praises to movies, especially gay films since they tend to be so hit and miss, but this one is a winner!
Side note; It seems like those giving this movie a bad review are either homophobic/lame or (most likely) have bad taste. Look at their review and watch history before you take anything they say at face value. 99% of people have horrible taste in movies, music and art, so remember to do your own research before you listen to people with poor taste.
- manuelasaez
- Mar 14, 2022
- Permalink
Good Thriller
Something was always happening and you kept wanting to see what would happen next. At first it was hard to tell who was gay and who was straight. There was nudity so this is not for teens. The overall story was good and so were the actors in it. I would not mind seeing it again. I probably won't, but I wouldn't mind it.
Twisted and big fun
Lots of twists and turns in this horror pic. Highly recommended for its original premise, great characters and providing an overall good time. Tons of eye candy adds to the demented fun.
- exittiming
- Mar 12, 2022
- Permalink
Not what I expected
Give it a chance. The story is good and overall this is an excellent movie with an awesome cast if very talented actors. Jon Abrahams did a fantastic job directing this film and Anthony Del Negro has grown so much as a writer.
- JesseGuerreroJr
- Mar 21, 2022
- Permalink
Interesting
It's a little shocking yet I couldn't stop watching. Definitely captivated my attention. Interesting plot twist. It was a hidden gem of a movie. A little cheesy, but I love the cheesiness. Would definitely recommend to friends.
- lguerrero-35141
- Mar 21, 2022
- Permalink
One of the better slasher movies
I enjoyed this movie. Good acting and a good storyline. I enjoy slasher movies and this was a good one with a few good plot twists. I will definitely recommend!
- xuanduplessis
- Mar 19, 2022
- Permalink
Fun queer horror
Support more indie films like this! It's an honest film with a satisfying ending and I loved the twists. The movie is paced well, a good mix of taking itself seriously and playing around. Sort of like a fanfic but on screen. Definitely would watch others from this film maker!
- sidneyhummel
- Jun 17, 2022
- Permalink
A film to compete with Scream 2022
The cast is excellent, the writing is good. I really appreciated the normalcy of the LGBT characters. The plot is good and there aren't too many plot holes. Definitely a must watch for 2022. The only reason I can see anyone voting this movie down is due to homophobia.
- chris-j-steele
- Mar 11, 2022
- Permalink
if you are antigay...
Or have any objections against lgbtq+ society then this film aint for you. Because its a erotic horror thriller so heavy loaded that i havent seen of its kind before.
There are lots of sexual encounters on same sex and opposite too, also bdsm and stigmatating hacking and tracking of eachothers sexual escapades used more or less in a sinister way. So dislike sexclashing in the movies skip the lot.
I am still a grumpy old man, strait from concievment and not curious about the newwaves of sexuality, but this film was rather good for its meaness and cruel horror. Made independently and not on a decent budget, there are Not much blood or guts sticking out , just a race to find the masterculprit at the campus.because this is a life at the campus horrorthriller where the going gets tough when the tough gets going, and whenever new things are cummin up it enlightens yet another clue to the ratrace. I speculated alot till i found the mastermind, and that was very late in the plot.
The acts are well done, the complexity of the plot are pretty intense, the cinematographical techniques very up to date, the actors are familiar cumming of age actors, the musical score is nervepinning and the story that unfolds aint too far from realistic. So if you have a dorm roommate you better watch out cause words and vision are easily spread with modern technology. A film every stud and tutor should see, therefore a recommend.
There are lots of sexual encounters on same sex and opposite too, also bdsm and stigmatating hacking and tracking of eachothers sexual escapades used more or less in a sinister way. So dislike sexclashing in the movies skip the lot.
I am still a grumpy old man, strait from concievment and not curious about the newwaves of sexuality, but this film was rather good for its meaness and cruel horror. Made independently and not on a decent budget, there are Not much blood or guts sticking out , just a race to find the masterculprit at the campus.because this is a life at the campus horrorthriller where the going gets tough when the tough gets going, and whenever new things are cummin up it enlightens yet another clue to the ratrace. I speculated alot till i found the mastermind, and that was very late in the plot.
The acts are well done, the complexity of the plot are pretty intense, the cinematographical techniques very up to date, the actors are familiar cumming of age actors, the musical score is nervepinning and the story that unfolds aint too far from realistic. So if you have a dorm roommate you better watch out cause words and vision are easily spread with modern technology. A film every stud and tutor should see, therefore a recommend.