A disgraced internet personality attempts to win back his followers by livestreaming one night alone in a haunted house. But when he accidentally pisses off a vengeful spirit, his big comeback event becomes a real-time fight for his life. A film by Vanessa and Joseph Winter.

Shawn Ruddy (Joseph Winter), a YouTube personality known for “WRATH OF SHAWN”, a series of video confronting his various fears such as hiding in a garbage bin taken by an automated truck, naked sledding with huskies, floating down a river in an inflatable raft, smuggling across the border inside a car trunk, and running away from cops.

Eventually, things went too far, and Shawn lost sponsors and was suspended from YouTube. After his suspension period is over, he plans to regain his popularity with his new sponsor by facing his greatest fear, ghosts! His agreement is to livestream himself spending the night in Death Manor, an old house where several former residents mysteriously died many years ago.

After entering the house, Shawn locks the door and drops his key into a floor vent to ensure that he will not be able to escape easily. He sets up his cameras in every room, and he begins to tell his viewers about Mildred Pratt, the original owner who committed suicide in this house, and several other former residents who also died from mysterious causes. It is believed that everyone who died after her remains in this house.

As Shawn explores the closet, he discovers a strange symbol hanging from the wall. Believing it to be an occult symbol, he removes it. The symbol, however, is actually a hamsa, an ancient sign of divine protection used by many cultures throughout history. Unknowingly, Shawn has unleashed the evil spirit of Mildred.

Shawn is stunned to see Chrissy (Melanie Stone), alias “QuizCat94,” a female fan who has followed him to this remote house just to meet him in person. She asks to stay, but Shawn initially refuses. However, he later changes his mind when his viewers pressure him to let her stay. But is Chrissy who she claims to be?

DEADSTREAM is an astonishing horror comedy from American directorial duo Joseph and Vanessa Winter, marking their feature debut. The Winters co-wrote the film’s hilariously entertaining script, and their skillful direction elevates the found footage aesthetic from a gimmick to a vital part of the story. The film delivers genuine thrills and unexpected twists, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. While the film is more comedic than terrifying, it evokes the spirit of Sam Raimi’s DRAG ME TO HELL, a rare feat in modern horror.

Joseph Winter impresses as both the star and composer of Deadstream. His ingenious decision to forego background music in favor of diegetic music played by his character using a portable cassette player enhances the film’s found footage aesthetic and contributes to its immersive atmosphere. Melanie Stone delivers a standout performance as Chrissy, her timing impeccable.

DEADSTREAM premiered at the South by Southwest on 11 March 2022. The film was released on SHUDDER starting 6 October 2022.