Doomscroll

After the mysterious disappearance of his father, SAM inherits an old, weathered inn on the coastal island of Pawley's. Joined by his closest friends—MIKE, SARA, and SLAMMER—he returns to the inn to prepare it for sale. What begins as a somber trip to close a painful chapter quickly turns sinister as the group encounters strange supernatural phenomena tied to local legends of the island.

Sam soon discovers his father has become obsessed with the GRAY MAN, a ghostly figure said to appear before major storms, and ALICE, the spirit of a heartbroken woman. As the supernatural events escalate, Sam unearths secrets about his father's descent into madness, revealing a darker connection between the inn, the spirits, and his family legacy.

As SAM and his friends struggle to survive the growing menace, they must confront not only the vengeful spirits but also their own tech-driven addictions and fears. Sam is forced to confront his father's legacy and make a personal sacrifice to lay the spirits to rest finally.

Hello, my name is John Michael Riva Jr.

I grew up in Los Angeles, California, and spent my summers in the Carolinas and always ended up in a bit of place called Pawley's Island. I fell in love with this place. The blend of culture and history blew me away from a relatively young state such as California. The land, the food, the people, and its folklore infatuated me—specifically the ghost tales. One tale in particular, a ghost story, captivated me, tied to Pawley's Island, The Legend of the Gray Man.

I've set out to create a narrative based on true events and sightings to place you in suspense, bewilderment, and of course, some laughs. I pull heavily from my experiences with grief and understanding who we are when we enter the “real world” post-college. My film centers around being comfortable with who we are while embracing the change we cannot always control.

Doomscroll stands out as a unique and timely horror-thriller due to its seamless integration of modern anxieties with timeless supernatural elements. The concept of “doomscrolling”—a behavior where individuals compulsively consume negative news and information online—captures the zeitgeist of our current digital age, where technology both connects and alienates us. This modern-day fear, paired with the eerie atmosphere of coastal folklore, creates a compelling narrative that resonates with contemporary audiences.

The script's exploration of grief and legacy through a supernatural lens adds emotional depth, making it more than just a horror story. It reflects the universal struggle of dealing with unresolved issues and the past's haunting influence on the present. Additionally, the isolated setting of the inn, combined with the characters' emotional isolation, speaks to the current societal themes of loneliness and the need for connection in an increasingly fragmented world.

By blending these modern themes with classic horror elements, Doomscroll offers a fresh take on the genre, making it both relevant and engaging for today's audiences. Its timely commentary on technology's role in our lives and its impact on mental health, wrapped in a gripping supernatural narrative, ensures that Doomscroll is not only a thrilling experience but also a reflective one, appealing to both horror fans and those interested in deeper, thought-provoking stories.

Grief and Legacy: Sam's journey of understanding and coping with his father's disappearance while coming to terms to who he is. Addiction and Modern Anxiety: The impact of technology and doomscrolling on mental health and the blurred lines between the supernatural and reality. Isolation and Community: The contrast between seeking physical isolation and the need to belong. Friendship and Loyalty: The importance of supportive relationships in the face of fear and times of distress.