JoJo Siwa, widely known for her vibrant persona and child-friendly content, is taking a bold step into the horror genre with her new movie, “#AMFAD: All My Friends Are Dead.” This unexpected turn for Siwa marks a significant departure from her previous work, showcasing her versatility as an actress and her willingness to explore darker, more mature themes.
“Karma’s a bitch… and she loves a genre flick” sets the tone for this chilling horror movie. Directed by Marcus Dunstan, “#AMFAD” intertwines the modern obsessions with internet fame and the classic slasher film tropes. It’s a unique blend of social commentary and gory entertainment, promising to captivate audiences looking for both thrills and substance.
The plot centers around a van full of wannabe internet celebrities who find themselves trapped in a deadly game at a remote Airbnb. The masked villain unleashes a “Seven”-esque killing spree, leaving a trail of bodies and suspense. Jade Pettyjohn stars alongside JoJo Siwa, bringing a mix of innocence and terror to their roles. The two, who previously worked together on Nickelodeon’s “School of Rock,” now collaborate on a project that’s anything but child-friendly.
Pettyjohn plays Sarah, the obvious final girl, who, along with her toxic college friends, heads to a music festival called Karmapalooza. A flat tire leaves them stranded, and while a friendly police officer (Michaella Russell) attempts to help, she cannot shield them from the haunting presence of their deceased friend, Collette, portrayed by Siwa. The ensemble cast, including Jennifer Ens, Jack Doupe-Smith, Julian Haig, Ali Fumiko Whitney, Justin Derickson, and Cardi Wong, contributes to a gory yet tongue-in-cheek whodunnit.
Pettyjohn, a steadfast fan of the horror genre, describes “#AMFAD” as a film that disarms with humor amidst the horror. The script by Jessica Sarah Flaum and Josh Sims is filled with witty dialogue and campy moments, making it both a terrifying and entertaining watch. The movie also serves as a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of virality and voyeurism, themes that resonate deeply in today’s digital age.
For JoJo Siwa, this movie is part of a larger rebranding effort, shedding her child star image and embracing a more mature, multifaceted persona. Her performance in “#AMFAD” is a testament to her growth as an artist and her ability to captivate audiences across different genres. Siwa’s involvement in such a visually appealing and blood-soaked project, filled with neon colors and candy-coated aesthetics, is sure to draw attention from her vast social media following and horror enthusiasts alike.
As director Marcus Dunstan puts it, “#AMFAD” is horror’s newest guilty pleasure, blending beautiful and horrific visuals to create a viral sensation that is both a thrill ride and a reflection of our generation’s obsession with internet fame. For Siwa and Pettyjohn, this film is a significant milestone in their careers, demonstrating their range and adaptability in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
