The Beta Test (2021)

Wasn't only me feel that the personal data how that can be fully utlized and this movie show the consequence in the extreme level? But I can be sure Jim Carey reborn in this movie.

Fmovies: A vaguely fascinating concept, though the premise is quite inept, if a pair can get together, wearing masks they don't untether. Can't imagine hooking up, at least sneaking a tiny look, unless you are the type or kind, who likes to be deaf, dumb and blind - which is fine, but you'd need a pretty good pairing algorithm to know that!

6/10 - a fascinating premise and incredible production design for an art house film, this film was very promising until it got more and more muddled and hard to follow the longer it went on.

The Beta Test fmovies. I like Jim Cummings. I find him oddly watchable in quite a unique way you don't see with a lot of film leads today. It persistently feels like he should have you in hysterics - his facial expressions and voice lend themselves perfectly to it - and yet his movies are oddly serious.

IMDb lists the genres for this film as comedy/horror/thriller. I would suggest the horror is stretch first of all. There are a couple of violent scenes but nothing that you don't see in most R rated thrillers. And I would also say the comedy is a stretch. Again, it feels like it should be a comedy, but I don't think I ever once laughed. If there is intended comedy here then it is extremely dark. Mystery/thriller with a dash of drama is where I would put it.

The movie has a great opening scene that sets the tone well. There are some real 'American Psycho vibes about this film. I would be shocked if that wasn't an inspiration on some level. I had a good time with 'The Beta Test'. I think a second viewing would help with picking up some of the more subtle details in the plot hidden along the way too. 8/10.

As "The Beta Test" (2021 release; 93 min.) opens, a woman confesses to her Swedish boyfriend to having had a one night stand. The boyfriend promptly kills her. We are then introduced to Jordan, who is about to be married in 2 months, and his Hollywood talent agency partner PJ. Jordan receives an anonymous invite for a discreet no-strings sexual encounter, and he is very tempted... At this point we are 10 min into the movie but to tell you more of the plot would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Couple of comments: this is the newest film from co-directors, co-writers, co-producers and co-stars Jim Cummings (as Jordan) and PJ McCabe (who didn't even bother changing his character's name). From the get-go I felt pulled in by this movie for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it is impossible to predict how it's all going to play out (and the movie is very plot-heavy, by the way). Second, the script is tight, very tight, and balances drama with dark humor effortlessly. Third, the cast (the 2 guys with their significant others, and several side characters) are outstanding. Cummings reminds me of a young Jim Carrey. I was amazed how quickly this film flew by.

This film was shot in the Fall of 2019, yes over 2 years ago, but then of course a little thing called COVID-19 broke out and almost brought the movie theater business onto its knees. The film premiered at this summer's Tribeca film festival, to great buzz. The movie finally opened at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati this past weekend. The Tuesday early evening screening where I saw this at wat attended so-so (exactly 7 people including myself). IF you are in the mood for a movie with razor sharp observations on today's office and sex cultures, I'd readily suggest you check this out, be it in the theater (while you still can), on Amazon Instant Video and other streaming platforms, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.

The bad: there aint any. Well, it's weird, uncomfortably weird. But I really liked that. Honest. The popcorn loving masses probably wont like this story, but the arthouse movie fans, especially those who LOVE to be surprised, those folks are in for a real TREAT. A mystery, moral treat about the downfalls of the human soul and modern technology...

The good: this story is simple AND it is NOT. The acting of the lead character is true to life AND it is NOT. I am not kiddin here. This is truly an ambiguous story that is to die for! I simply cannot explain any further details without ruining the plot. Sorry. You just have to watch it...

This story is a BIG mystery up to the very end and THAT'S THE WAY I LIKE IT.

But even better, the start of this story is in itself something that anyone in a (dull) relationship might be able to relate to. Because who hasnt had fantasies about another woman or man, when the rut is setting in, when you feel suffocated, tied down, "convicted" to a life of monogamy after you got married.

LUST is a powerfull (dangerous) emotion and it can mess up ones mind. And it does in this story, that crept under my skin...

The story: a selfish, obnoxious manager is about to get married, BUT he isnt ready for it. He secretly LUSTS for every pretty woman he sees. He gives in to his lust, but evil forces are about to get to him after his SIN. Who is behind those forces? Is he losing his mind, or is there truly a dark force intended to bring him DOWN....?

8 stars for the original screenplay and 9 stars (YES 9!) for the moral of this story, if one wants to see it...

How many movies with a MESSAGE do we get to see nowadays? Close to zero. What a revelation, what a joy, to see a director make a movie that has a MEANING...