When teenagers whisper the words of The Poem, they aren’t just reciting lines. They’re daring a presence to answer, one born from the hunger for online validation.
Toronto director Andrea D’Amario wanted to capture the reckless thrill of a TikTok challenge and mix it with supernatural dread. The result is a short film that scares, and critiques how far people will go to be seen.
Horror About Going Viral and the Birth of The Poem
The idea grew out of D’Amario’s fascination with urban legends. He wanted to invent something modern, a ritual teenagers might actually share online.
“I wanted The Poem to feel fun at first, but reckless and dangerous underneath,” he says. “That balance mattered.”
Linking the ritual to TikTok came naturally. Watching people risk injury or humiliation for clout reminded him how far someone might go.
“In that context, summoning a demon didn’t feel far-fetched,” D’Amario says. “People already risk a lot for likes and validation.”
The Recklessness of Teens In Amplifying Horror About Going Viral
Teenagers anchor the story because their impulsiveness and curiosity heighten the stakes, D’Amario notes. Their invincibility complex felt especially frightening.
“As a teen, I felt untouchable, which often led to dangerous choices,” he says. “That sense of invulnerability drives the story.”
In The Poem, curiosity pushes the characters into danger. Some manage to escape. Others face consequences they can’t undo.
Ritual, Entity, and Atmosphere
At the centre of the film lies the poem itself, a short verse designed to be cryptic yet shareable, making it the perfect bait for digital audiences.
“The wording had to be unsettling but easy to recite,” D’Amario says. “It needed to feel ancient yet viral.”
The entity, known as the “Man in Black,” evolved into something intangible and omnipresent. His absence becomes more terrifying than any physical appearance.
“He’s a force shaping fear,” says D’Amario. “Being everywhere and nowhere made him scarier.”
Influences Behind Horror About Going Viral
D’Amario cites Smile, The Ring, and Oculus as major influences, along with Mike Flanagan’s slow-burn, character-driven style.
“I love horror that escalates dread instead of chasing cheap jumps,” he says. “That kind of fear lingers.”
These inspirations shaped The Poem’s pacing, and psychological weight.
Crafting the Look and Sound
Working with cinematographer Matt Labra, D’Amario created an eerie visual language through long takes, and shifting camera angles.
“We wanted the audience to feel part of the ritual,” he says. “The camera changes as the summoning unfolds.”
Colour palettes shifted from warm tones to cold hues, helping with creating the descent into dread. Candles and shadows add an ominous atmosphere, and create the threat of the unseen.
The soundscape layered whispers and piercing tones to make the “Man in Black” feel constantly present, even in silence.
Casting and Collaboration
Actors Nick Patel and Curtis Leung played the roles of Blake and Ryan, respectively. They grounded supernatural terror in authentic friendship.
“They blew me away,” D’Amario says. “Nick nailed cocky energy, Curtis added nervous tension. Their chemistry raised the stakes.”
Shot near Vaughan with an all-Toronto crew, the film highlights local talent. It earned recognition at the Chicago Horror Film Festival and the Toronto Indie Horror Film Fest.
The Message Behind The Poem
For D’Amario, The Poem critiques the dangers of online addiction. “Going viral isn’t worth harm to yourself or others,” he says.
The supernatural scares highlight real-world risks like peer pressure, and the relentless pursuit of digital validation.
“Horror makes these consequences immediate and intense,” he explained. “It resonates while still terrifying.”
From Festivals to YouTube
After festival success, The Poem was released on YouTube, extending its message to audiences already immersed in the culture it critiques.
“The online response has been encouraging,” said D’Amario. “It’s rewarding to see the story connect beyond festivals.”
By weaving folklore with the perils of social media, The Poem becomes a warning disguised as entertainment. Because sometimes, chasing likes means summoning something you can’t control.