Two years ago, Mario Stillwell (Dallas Hart) achieved an incredible milestone: he became the biggest YouTube star in the world by consistently posting captivating content and creating music that resonated with audiences. As his career progressed, he launched a new social media platform called Ampton. Mario sought out and signed a diverse group of digital media stars and creators through this venture to join him on this journey. This group included Lonnie (Chris O’Neal), Tiffany (Cassandra Scerbo), Hunter (Pedro Correa), Jaden (Rafael Cebrián), Russell (Motoki Maxted), Niko (Brandon Perea), and his ultimate partner in crime, Janelle (Kara Royster), who serves as his leading collaborator. Unbeknownst to them, this crew is in for a big surprise.
Mario now views his team as family and is about to share an incredible surprise. He reveals to the group that he has just purchased a brand-new mansion, which he has named AMP House. He invites his crew to live with him there and encourages them to personalise the space however they choose. As you can imagine, the entire team is astonished by Mario’s unexpected announcement, though one crew member expresses concern that it may not work out.
The team moves in with Mario, and the digital content, wild pranks, and various parties continue. The crew at the AMP House often attracts media attention, mainly due to recent events such as Mario’s split from Janelle and a luxurious car accident that destroyed his vehicle. As time passes, they approach the first anniversary of the AMP House, and a live stream is scheduled to showcase the party up close and personal. Naturally, it is expected to be a night that the world will never forget!
The AMP House planned for an evening filled with dancing, drinking, and wild partying. However, someone at the party had other intentions, and the night ended in terror when Mario’s body was discovered. The cause of his death remained unclear, but many speculate it could have been a possible overdose.
A year later, Hunter has now taken on the role of the new leader of the AMP House. Since Hunter took charge, the group’s following and success has dipped to an all-time low despite introducing a new member, Amanda (Ana Osorio). On the one-year anniversary of Mario’s death, things once again take a dark turn. The group soon realises that a killer is lurking in the AMP House, forcing them into life-and-death situations. The killer intends to reveal the crew’s most profound and darkest secrets while eliminating them individually. Who is the killer, and why are they targeting this group? Will any survivors be able to share their stories on social media?
AMP House Massacre is primarily a horror and thriller film with a strong element of mystery, especially concerning the killer who stalks and murders the members of the AMP House one by one. Dame Pierre and Mike D. Ware directed the film. While this isn’t Dame Pierre’s first experience as a director- he has previously worked on projects such as You Hittin’ Dat?? (2019) and a short film titled Nola– this is Mike D. Ware’s directorial debut.
The film opens strongly, providing a thorough introduction to Mario and the creation of the AMP House, along with personal introductions to each group member. It becomes evident early on that the members of the AMP House will be primary targets. Each member is primarily self-focused and often makes selfish choices, which makes them all quite unlikable from the start. Additionally, the group has many secrets from one another, leaving viewers anticipating various reveals. Even the most likable character harbours a dark secret that is unveiled unexpectedly. This includes elements of secret scams, backstabbing, harmful intentions, and cheating. The newest member is the most innocent of the group, but unfortunately, her character is somewhat annoying.
What kept me engaged was my curiosity about the film’s ending and the revelation of the killer’s identity. Although I won’t spoil the ending, I must say that the reveals were quite disappointing. Not only was the reveal itself underwhelming, but the entire explanation felt cluttered and failed to deliver an impactful conclusion. This reveal also left me feeling confused about certain aspects of the storyline. On a positive note, I thought the serial killer’s appearance in the AMP House was intriguing and stood out compared to typical slasher films. Additionally, the film effectively incorporates elements of technology and social media, which I found relevant and relatable in today’s world.
Overall, if you enjoyed films like Scream, then AMP House Massacre is worth a watch. The film does a great job of introducing its characters and settings. However, many characters are unlikable due to their selfish and backstabbing nature. The serial killer’s costume is unique and stands out from other films. The major twist and reveal surrounding the killer kept me engaged, but ultimately, this aspect fell short due to complex explanations and vague details. I wished the film had concluded on a higher note; instead, it left me feeling like I had just witnessed a chaotic mess with missed opportunities. In the end, it’s just an average horror film.
AMP House Massacre (2024) is Now Available on DVD & Digital in Australia!
FILM SCORE: 4.8/10
Published: 20th January 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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