People looking to become internet famous in today's climate often walk a dangerous line. While some rely on raw talent to gain followers and sponsorships alike, those who struggle to make their mark often find themselves in a variety of compromising situations. Some will even go so far as to alter their looks in accordance with a perceived beauty, often undergoing extreme surgical procedures to achieve their goals. This and more will be explored when Netflix adapts the John Poliquin-directed short film, Selfie, into a feature-length experience.
Poliquin and Colin Minihan, who wrote the short film, will also write the film adaptation. According to Deadline, Selfie explores "the horror of body image in the age of social media."
As it happens, Selfie was expected to premiere at SXSW in March before the Austin-based event was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Be that as it may, Benjamin Anderson and Minihan are now in the midst of producing a feature adaptation. The duo is also in the midst of working on the Screen Gems thriller, Urban Legend, which is a remake of director Jamie Blanks' 1998 horror film. In the original film, a college student suspects a series of bizarre deaths are connected to certain urban legends.
I must admit that I'm intrigued. Sadly, body dysmorphic disorder is a very real and serious mental health affliction, and I do hope that Poliquin and Minihan are careful in their handling of the topic. We'll be sure to bring you more news about Netflix's version of Selfie as the project continues to take shape.