About Beware the Slenderman (HBO)

In the HBO documentary film, 'Beware the Slenderman', the director, Irene Taylor Brodsky delves into the infamous case of two 12-year-old girls from Wisconsin, Anissa Weier and Morgan Geyser, who lured their friend into the woods and attempted to murder her, all in the name of the fictitious internet-tale: The Slenderman. The film takes a deep exploration into the psychological triggers, internet lore and the impact of digital age on children's susceptibility.

Making / Production

This chilling real-life horror documentary was produced by HBO Documentary Films and Vermilion Films, directed by Irene Taylor Brodsky. It was mixed in dextrous use of crime footage, news clips, interrogation videos, and animations, provoking thought about the power of internet myths and the boundaries of parental control.

Actors

• Richard Dawkins - Played himself and expertly provided the analysis and commentary on the meme concept.
• Morgan Geyser - Played by herself, she is one of the 12-year-old girls involved in the crime and offered a chilling glance into a pre-teen mind under the influence of the urban internet lore.
• Anissa Weier - Also played by herself, Anissa gives a peek of a young girl's vulnerability and impressionability, which led her to commit the attempted murder.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was initially premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival in March 2016 before its HBO release in 2017.
• Slender Man, the fictional character that inspired the crime, was created on the Something Awful online forum in a photoshop contest.

Quotes

• "The internet can take a vulnerable child and put (them) in harm's way."
• "It was weird that I didn't feel remorse."

Music, Soundtrack

• The haunting score of the documentary was composed by Ben Bromfield, adding to the eerie and unnerving narrative of the film.
• Soundtrack includes “The Snow Angel” and “Meeting Slender Man” keeping listeners at the edge of their seats.