Hey everyone, Slick Dungeon here. I’m back to review another psychological horror film. We’re All Going to the World’s Fair is a 2021 coming of age, psychological horror film centered on a girl named Casey. Casey is played by Anna Cobb. Normally, I would warn you against spoilers in this review but there’s really not a lot to spoil in this film so read away.

The movie is a bit of a hybrid of found footage and classic film making styles. At the beginning of the film Casey awkwardly makes a video talking about how she is going to take the “world’s fair challenge.” This is along the lines of any TikTok or YouTube challenge you might see. You prick your finger to draw blood, say, “I want to go to the world’s fair” three times and you’ve started the challenge. Then something is supposed to happen to you. You are changed in some way.

The good

Before I get into criticisms here I’ll point out what I like about this movie. It is low budget. I love to see independent, low budget horror. I think that’s some of the most creative stuff out there. Anna Cobb takes the lead and her acting performance was solid. She seems a bit understated most of the time but that’s the role. The soundtrack is pretty decent. And the cinematography of the non-found footage is good. Found footage scenes don’t look as good but they aren’t supposed to.

The bad

Also, before I get into the criticism here let me just say I like slow burn horror. It’s not for everyone but I do enjoy a good, slow paced horror film that can pack a punch at the end.

The problem with this film is there is no punch. For there to be a slow burn there has to be a fire at some point. There are some creepy images. A few things Casey says are disturbing. But that’s it. There’s nothing else there. You are supposed to be guessing if this is reality or supernatural. It’s clear the whole time which one it is.

The scenes are incredibly long. I’m okay with slow pacing but you’ll want to fast forward. You don’t miss anything if you do. Most of the film felt like someone new to YouTube struggling to get channel views. As a plot that’s fine but with this pacing, I might as well watch YouTube.

The only other character who relates to Casey is a man named JLB played by Michael J. Rogers. The dude just comes off as oddly creepy and way too interested in a teenager. But it’s not scary in any way.

In Conclusion

I wish I could recommend this film. But if you are looking for horror or psychological thrills you are not going to find them here. It’s good to support independent movies but this one doesn’t take us anywhere. You’re better off finding a different independent film if you want entertainment. But if you love slow dramas and just want to support an independent voice then it’s worth it. I do think the film makers tried their best and made the film they wanted to. If you want to be a low budget film maker it’s worth a watch. But if you want to see some horror? Don’t bother, it’s not here.

If you want to watch brilliant horror film with a slow build up, check out Hereditary.

Independently yours,

Slick Dungeon