I caught a screening of "So, You've Downloaded Demon" earlier this year at an amazing club located in Los Angeles called Cinespace. This shot on video supernatural comedy left me in stitches. Dave (Zak Kreiter) is an awkward but lovable young man who has fallen head over heels for the local goth babe, Miranda (Casidee Riley) but his best bud Brian (Daniel Paul Shafer) would rather Dave concentrate on his bid for Class President. Miranda however is more interested in getting her best friend Cat (Sommer Fain) and herself back into the coven they've recently been ousted from. Unfortunately the key to their re-initiation lies within their computer, which goes kaput. Dave attempts to dabble with their hard drive, hoping to get in good with his elusive crush, but ends up being possessed by a narcissistic demon the night before his big debate. Obviously, things go awry as the hapless group does everything they can to save Dave, which usually leads to outrageous results.
Shot on video in Billings, Montana, "So, You've Downloaded a Demon" has a lot going against it. No big names, an ultra-low budget and fairly high concept ideas usually don't go over too well at this end of the spectrum, but director/co-writer Todd Livingston and his writing partner, Nicholas Capetanakis make the most of what is around them, creating an engaging, and often time fall-on-your-knees hilarious comedy that almost defies simple definition. Honestly, I'm not quite sure how they pulled it off. A lot of the credit goes to the fine cast (including Todd and Nicholas who put in good cameos), especially Sommer Fain and Daniel Paul Shafer, who are given the best the lines and deliver them with confident zeal. For sure those two should pack their bags and head out to Hollywood to pursue a film career.
This movie is perfect for fans of indie cinema who are fed up with filmmakers who play within the conventions of their genres, never venturing far outside the realm of what is easy to accomplish. These guys really took a chance with their idea and execution, and truly deliver one of the best indie features I've seen in long, long time. The soundtrack by Andy Kubiszewski of Stabbing Westward fame is just as charming as the film itself
And if you like projectile vomit, creepy ventriloquists and bald exorcists, then this movie is a double must for you!!!
