Written and directed by Zack Van Eyck, ‘The Hitchhiker Effect’ is a 2024 drama feature that stars Michael Beardsley and Allyson Sereboff. Michael Beardsley plays Alan, a beleaguered conspiracy theorist who is close to writing his first book. Alan is in a contentious relationship with Allyson Sereboff’s Liz as his constant belief of being followed by men in black is straining their love. As Alan and Liz begin to settle in their new house, a couple of eccentric neighbours drop by and refuse to leave. A multitude of paranormal events begin to pile up and Alan scrambles to get to the bottom of a vast conspiracy that may have far reaching effects on all.
‘The Hitchhiker Effect’ is an eccentric, wholesome film that features great acting, good writing and an original central premise. Bundling all these together is Zack Van Eyck’s fantastic direction resulting in a film that manages to impress in more ways than one. We all know a conspiracy theorist in our circle and the film manages to ask some pretty interesting questions in this regard. The acting is fantastic across the board. Michael Beardsley brings a sort of irritating charm to Alan and his constant insistence for the existence of alien species begins a journey that will have unexpected consequences for them all. Equally impressive is Allyson Sereboff’s Liz who expertly balances Beardsley’s hysteria with dramatic seriousness. On the other end of the spectrum are the two neighbours, played by John Bigham and Laverne Onike Chesson. They are mysterious and are obviously hiding something and when the secret is finally revealed at the end, it will blow your socks off.
