Direction: Jim Cummings, PJ McCabe
Country: USA / UK
This labyrinthine comedy thriller written, directed and starred by Jim Cummings (Thunder Road, 2018; The Wolf of Snow Hollow, 2020) and PJ McCabe (in his directorial debut) may not provide an abundant share of nail-biting moments but the often amusing, occasionally annoying central character is something to go for.
The talented Cummings gives a wild 'n' crazy performance of rancid single-mindedness as a soon-to-be-married Hollywood agent who receives an anonymous invitation for a sex encounter that leads him to a hotel room, blindfolded. After the experience, he looks happier and energetic, yet recognizing that something is wrong. Paranoia and suspicion make him a moody fellow who can’t help but embarrassing himself.
Played with wit to match its conviction, this film is as sly as it is discerning, but falters when it goes for too much manipulation. Significantly stronger during the first half, this satire is so awesomely far-fetched you'd have to be in the right mood to enjoy it.
There are lots of new wrinkles to ponder about scams and technology today but The Beta Test works better as a mystery than a mystery solve. When it works, it really works, and those strong moments overcome the so-so ones.
