BuzzFeed comic artist Adam Ellis embarked on a Twitter thread in 2017 that soon became a viral sensation. This thread documented the uncanny events occurring in his apartment, with sleep paralysis providing glimpses of a spectral presence – a young ghost boy named David, with a peculiarly misshapen head. The cinematic adaptation of this thread, titled ‘Dear David,’ aspires to delve deeper into the paranormal enigma that haunted Ellis, while also utilizing his online life to craft a chilling cautionary tale of cyberbullying.

The film revolves around the character of comic artist Adam, played by Augustus Prew, who is well-acquainted with the perils of internet trolls as part of his work at Buzzfeed. However, a breaking point is reached when he finally lashes out in response. His angry retorts draw attention, but they also pave the way for a series of disturbing occurrences, including sleep paralysis and bizarre phenomena within his apartment. As these paranormal encounters escalate in malevolence, Adam turns to Twitter to chronicle the events. His boss, portrayed by Justin Long, encourages him to amplify the haunting online, yet Adam soon finds himself teetering on the brink of reality as David grows increasingly agitated.

Screenwriter Mike Van Waes and director John McPhail (known for ‘Anna and the Apocalypse’) endeavor to transform the narrative beyond the typical haunted house tropes seen in the original Twitter thread. Their focus lies on the development of the characters, particularly the fictionalized version of Adam Ellis and his psychological odyssey. This portrayal of Adam is atypical for a horror protagonist, as he is portrayed as prickly, guarded, and susceptible to the taunts of online bullies. Despite his penchant for snark and keeping his close friends and boyfriend at arm’s length, Prew injects the character with enough vulnerability to ensure he remains relatable. This proves crucial as Adam’s descent into a disorienting blend of fact and fiction unfolds.

David, played by Cameron Nicholl, prowls the internet for bullies deserving of otherworldly retribution, while the pervasive presence of Buzzfeed and social media within the narrative lends the film a dated quality. Despite the director’s dedicated approach to the sleep paralysis sequences, the movie surprisingly lacks the scares that were abundant in the original thread. While the original viral story struck fear through its simple descriptions accompanied by images, ‘Dear David’ seems to sleepwalk through the ghostly reign of David. From the outset, David’s agenda conspicuously underscores the didactic anti-bullying message, further enhancing the film’s outdated feel.

‘Dear David’ finds greater success as a time capsule narrative that delves into the mental toll of excessive online presence. It is most engaging when it explores the snarky Buzzfeed era of 2017 and delves into Adam’s personal relationships. The supporting cast, featuring Andrea Bang, René Escobar Jr., two charming cats, and a brief cameo by Sarah Swire from ‘Anna and the Apocalypse,’ helps offset the frequently polarizing choices made by the fictional Adam.

However, as a horror film, ‘Dear David’ struggles to infuse any real intensity beyond the lead character’s frenzied panic. By stripping away the shroud of mystery surrounding the enigmatic child ghost, the film unintentionally robs itself of the tension and scares that one might expect. John McPhail demonstrates creativity in invoking a spectral atmosphere through lighting and Stephen Chandler Whitehead’s skillful cinematography, capturing the shadowy depths of Adam’s dwelling. The director’s strength lies in his affection for the central characters rather than in the creation of spine-tingling scares. While sleep paralysis typically involves intense nightmares, ‘Dear David’ channels its intensity into internal character conflict, resulting in a somewhat subdued viewing experience. Those in search of genuine frights may find themselves better served by revisiting the original viral thread.

‘Dear David’ is set to premiere in theaters, On Demand, and on digital platforms on October 13, 2023.