I find all of the motivations and behind the scenes stuff so interesting. Sometimes, more interesting than the movie itself. While I really did enjoy Come Play (minus the end, but I didn’t mention that), hearing Jacob Chase talk about his own life, his wife’s work with children with special needs and his passion from making in-home haunted houses, is sometimes the context I need to make a movie even more special.
VIDEO: Interview with Jacob Chase
About Come Play
It’s fair to say that Come Play is a blend of The Babadook and ET. Despite the heart-racing jump scares and sweat-inducing practical effects, when the terrifying monster Larry emerges, I kind of wanted to reach out my finger and say “Lar-Ry Phone Home.” In fact, all Larry wants is a friend. The story centers around a little boy named Oliver (Azhy Robertson) who has a severity of autism that leaves him unable to communicate verbally. Oliver’s Mom, Sarah (Gillian Jacobs), is doing her best to navigate the challenges that come with this, while also dealing with the deterioration of her marriage to Marty (John Gallagher, Jr.).
The thing of the movie, is that Larry lives inside your smart phone or your tablet (I’ll probably use this explanation with my kids to get them off those ridiculous package opening YouTube videos) and he grows strength and emerges from the technology as you read his story.
The thing is, yeah, Larry is a monster who wants to suck Oliver into his dark world. And sure, Larry will probably kill you if he has the chance. But Larry just wants a friend, after all, and who can’t empathize with that?
For more thoughts on Come Play you can check out Tim’s Review!
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