Horror movies and thrillers have long capturedthe dangers of toxic fandom.
FromThe FantoMisery, genre films explore the delicate balance between fan obsession and full-blown delusion.
In the digital age,the relationships between fans and celebrities continue to blur, further amplifying parasocial relationships.
Image via The Horror Collective
Writer/directorVictor Soaresbrings a modern lens to this dynamic with his latest feature,Livestream.
Behind the perfect front,there are actual human beings fearing for their lives.
What is Livestream About?
Image via The Horror Collective
Mia (Sarah Moliski) documents almost every part of her life.
In constant filming, Mia invites fans to engage with her life on a deeply personal level.
That’s just something you say.
Liza, whose parents own the rental property, takes Mia’s words at face value.
Such direct validation feeds Liza’s self-worth.
Every day on social media, particularly Twitter/X, fans vie for their favorite celebrities’ attention.
Image Via The Horror Collective
When they don’t get that serotonin boost of recognition, their obsession grows more unhinged.
When they do get it, it’s seen as a clear affirmation of their existence.
Beast about this place.
Take 1990’sMiseryas an example.
Throughout the film, she seeks Paul Sheldon’s (James Caan) approval.
This push-and-pull is present inLivestream, as well, with the added complexity of modern technology.
Liza obsesses over Mia.
Perhaps the most famous case of a fan’s obsession turning deadly involvessinger Selena’s tragic death in 1995.
Despite there being clear warning signs,Selena allegedly dismissed these, believing Yolanda’s intentions were innocent.
The killer James Loibl, was said to have had anunrealistic infatuation with Grimmie.
Influencers are Far More Vulnerable to Toxic Fans
Influencers aren’t your typical celebrities.
More traditional celebrities only curate bite-sized nuggets of their lives to share online.
Mia’s livelihood requires an intimate connection to her fans.
There are no limitations to what theyll do.
Thats the real fear ofLivestream that parasocial relationships have led to avoidable tragedy.
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