Channeling, also known as Death on Live has a premise that would work well as a television movie but its hampered by its low budget and unknown stars who fail to elevate its more emotional moments.
The film offers an intriguing look at the corrosive effect of social media in the near future where people have contact lens cameras that streams their lives. However in order to achieve higher ratings and attract sponsors some people take more risks such as stealing cars. This how the film starts as a car chase leads to the death of Wyatt Maddox. His brother Jonah, a serving soldier decides to investigate his death. Others want recognition from their peers and have a video log such as Wyatt's little sister who starts a relationship but her boyfriend is unbeknown to her is also broadcasting, even their more intimate moments together.
Then there are the underground casinos which makes bets on the various peoples lives, such us if the person is pregnant. If she is will she have the baby or abort? Some bets are longer term as the punter's only know of the outcome some months later.
Its not that far removed from real life. We already have crazy stunts on YouTube, revenge porn and gambling has moved on from just betting on the final results of a soccer match.
However the low budget means the final product falls short and some of the acting is plain and even below par. Kate French is the standout star in a film that should had delivered more.
