‘Curiosity’ is not for the faint hearted. Michael Cooke’s latest horror short digs deep into the sinister side of the internet, exploring what happens when innocent curiosity leads to a terrifying descent into darkness. Kevin (Hunter Bishop), a young man comfortably lounging in his bedroom, stumbles upon a route to the dark web – something he will later regret. What begins as harmless scrolling quickly spirals into a nightmare as Kevin finds himself witnessing the live-streamed decapitation of a man, his body parts up for sale like grotesque commodities.
Bishop embodies Kevin’s naive curiosity brilliantly, making his regret and fear palpable as his dark web exploration quickly becomes a fight for survival. When the tables turn and Kevin himself becomes a target, the tension skyrockets. John Cooke’s portrayal of the antagonist is haunting, a chilling embodiment of the predatory nature lurking in the shadows of the internet. His performance shines, providing a villain who is as disturbing as he is memorable.
The film’s production values are top-notch, with Kasparas Vidunes’ cinematography adding a polished, almost voyeuristic quality to Kevin’s ordeal. The 360-degree opening shot immerses you right into the room, making you feel like an unseen observer. Scott Campbell and Ben Gruber’s sound design further amplifies the terror. ‘Curiosity’ is a visceral, disturbing warning against the dangers of exploring the unknown, proving that some doors are best left closed.
