Writer and director Daniel Goldhaber takes a turn into the remake genre with his third feature, “Faces of Death,” produced by Shudder and IFC. Goldhaber reunites with screenwriter Isa Mazzei, who co-wrote “Cam,” to craft the film’s screenplay.
The story follows Margot (Barbie Ferreira), who finds work as a content moderator on a TikTok-style platform called Kino after a tragic dance trend video accident leads to her sister’s death. She lives with her roommate, Ryan (Aaron Holliday), who helps her manage stress and navigate her boss, Josh (Jermaine Fowler).
One day, Margot stumbles upon a violent video uploaded by Arthur (Darce Montgomery), a serial killer reenacting deaths from the original “Faces of Death” and targeting internet celebrities as his victims. As Margot attempts to track down Arthur and convince those around her that the killings are real, she remains unaware that Arthur is also pursuing her and is none too pleased with her investigation.
Growing up in the eighties, I remember seeing the “Faces of Death” cover art at Erol’s video store. Along with “Demons,” it was one of the few horror films my parents prohibited me from watching. Eventually, as I got older, I saw it and realized it was fake. Now, in an age of social media where everyone craves their five minutes of fame, I was curious about the creative team’s approach to the 2026 version.
For the most part, the new “Faces of Death” combines a basic serial killer storyline with elements of fame-seeking. The script wisely focuses on the dynamic between Arthur and Margot, crafting a cat-and-mouse narrative. Montgomery delivers a menacing performance as the antagonist. There’s no backstory explaining his actions—he’s simply a sadistic character.
As for Barbie Ferreira, who steps into the role of the final girl, her performance generally aligns with the established horror genre template. While her acting isn’t particularly groundbreaking, which surprised me, the film wisely refrains from delving too deeply into her grief over her sister’s loss. This choice keeps the pacing brisk, though I must note that she makes several questionable decisions in the third act—something every final girl tends to do.
The supporting cast, including Josie Totah and Charli XCX, seems to be there mainly to attract their fans or serve as potential victims for Arthur. Gore enthusiasts will find satisfaction in the film, which strikes a balance between self-awareness and genre appeal. Overall, “Faces of Death” is a decent one-time watch.
Final Grade: B
“Faces of Death” opens in theaters tomorrow.
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