In 2012, Michael Baumgarten directed and wrote the American thriller Pretty Obsession that explores the risks associated with online anonymity and the potentially perilous consequences of living a double life.
🎬 Plot Summary
The storyline is based in Los Angeles where a recent high school graduate Rebecca, played by Brittany Nicole Kovler, is 18 years old. To earn some extra cash, Rebecca and her friend Lauren, portrayed by Lydia Pritchett, begin working in a thrift shop. But looking to earn more money, Rebecca decides to try her hand at erotic webcam modeling as “PrettyGirl90069.” Meanwhile, her likes and followers are rapidly increasing and so is the interest of a dangerous stalker, dubbed as “DenverStud300.” This eventually results in a horrifying series of events that places her family and herself in grave danger.
🎭 Main Cast
Brittany Nicole Kovler as Rebecca / PrettyGirl90069
Lydia Pritchett as Lauren
Danny Pardo as Rebecca’s Dad
Jennifer Larson as Rebecca’s Mom
Dylan Hobbs as The Stalker / DenverStud300
Jake Parker as Jonathan
Chris Moss as Zach
🎥 Production Details
Director & Writer: Michael Baumgarten
Producer: Michael Baumgarten, Robin Krasny
Cinematography: Richie Trimble
Music: Michael Reola
89 minutes in length
Language: English
Country: United States
📝 Reception
Pretty Obsession has received mediocre audience reviews. While some viewers acknowledged the efforts put into displaying the effect of online exposure and how vulnerable the youth of today are in the digital world.Not everyone found value in the film, as some people heavily criticized it for poor character development and shallow low-budget production qualities. Despite… the film seems to have gained a cult following who consider it a warning sign for the dangers of internet anonymity.
📺 Availability
For now, Pretty Obsession is not available on any mainstream streaming service. It is possible to find it on specialty streaming services or on-demand platforms that cater to independent or cult films, but probably because of regional licensing contracts.