Is Spree a true story?

Answered by Willie Powers

Spree is a film that takes inspiration from a true story, specifically the case of an Uber driver who went on a killing spree. While the events portrayed in the movie are fictionalized, they draw from real-life incidents that occurred in the past. The film’s director, Eugene Kotlyarenko, and his co-writer, Gene McKugh, decided to explore this dark and disturbing subject matter by incorporating elements from the actual case.

In an interview, Kotlyarenko mentioned that McKugh suggested using the real-life tragedy as a basis for their film. They wanted to take something terrible that had happened and use it to create a thought-provoking narrative. By doing so, they aimed to delve into the psychological aspects of the main character and explore the themes of social media obsession and the dark side of technology.

It’s important to note that while the film draws inspiration from a true story, it is not a direct retelling of the events. Instead, it uses the real-life case as a jumping-off point to craft a fictional story that explores broader societal issues. This approach allows the filmmakers to have creative freedom while still addressing the disturbing nature of the original events.

Spree takes a dark and satirical look at our obsession with social media and the desire for instant fame. The story follows a rideshare driver named Kurt, played by Joe Keery, who becomes increasingly unhinged as he livestreams his chaotic and violent actions. The film utilizes a found footage style, incorporating various digital platforms to tell the story from the perspective of Kurt’s social media accounts.

Through Kurt’s character, the film explores themes of isolation, fame-seeking, and the blurred line between reality and the online world. It serves as a critique of our society’s obsession with social media and the potential consequences that can arise from the constant need for validation and attention.

While Spree is not a true story in the sense that it directly depicts real events, it is grounded in the reality of the disturbing incidents that inspired it. By fictionalizing these events, the filmmakers are able to delve deeper into the psychological aspects and societal implications, creating a thought-provoking and unsettling viewing experience.

Spree is a film that draws inspiration from a true story but is not a direct retelling of the events. It uses the real-life case as a starting point to explore themes of social media obsession and the dark side of technology. By fictionalizing the events, the filmmakers are able to delve deeper into the psychological aspects and societal implications, creating a thought-provoking narrative that critiques our obsession with social media.