Though shot in 2018 and 2019, PVT CHAT hits even harder in 2020 as an exploration of internet relationships. With more of us experiencing the inception, maintenance and breakdown of relationships that live within the wires, a film about the reality of online personas feels more relevant than ever, though this one tests the different between what it means for a relationship to be real, online or in person.
PVT CHAT centers around an online gambler, Jack (Peter Vack) and his webcam model of choice, Scarlet (Julia Fox). Nothing about Jack is authentic, from how he portrays his career to his ability to gamble online, and his personal relationships. He exudes inauthenticity, lies to his friends, creates a persona of himself for paid for online interactions, and prefers sexual gratification from massage parlours. His sights are set on Scarlet, a webcam model and dominatrix that indulges his whims via private video chat and appears to buy into the version of himself he portrays for her. But Scarlet isn’t Scarlet and though her role as a model keeps Jack as her John, ultimately, the reality of their relationship will be tested as against her personal life.
Final Thoughts:
Though at a glance, a stylized erotic tale of a loser and his crush, it’s truly an exploration of what is real, beyond what is tactile and empirically true. Testing the reality of relationships is apt and this gritty flick does just that.
After submitting her Bachelor's thesis, “The Metaphysics of Schwarzenegger Movies,” Lindsay decided to focus on writing about her passions; sci-fi, horror, sports, and comic books. She covers movies and games for CGMagazine and you can follow her work on Twitter @smashtraves.