Driven (I) (2019) User Reviews

Not your average horror comedy...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 17 June 2020]

Initially, I must say that I didn't have much of any expectations for this 2019 movie titled "Driven" from writer Casey Dillard and director Glenn Payne.

But it was a movie that I hadn't seen already, and it is listed as a horror comedy here on IMDb, so of course I found the time to sit down and watch the movie.

While the movie is fairly limited, I mean in terms of the majority of the movie taking place around the vehicle that Emerson drives, it actually turned out to be rather enjoyable. This was mostly due to a rather interesting script from writer Casey Dillard, and some really nice acting by the two leads - that being Casey Dillard and Richard Speight Jr..

The horror aspect to the movie is more of a backdrop to help cement the storyline, so you shouldn't expect a grand masterpiece of horror cinema here. In fact, there was absolutely nothing scary about the movie, nor were there any jump scares.

The comedy is semi-subtle, but it works quite well. And I must say that things like broken talismans, spells gone awry, turd spoons and car air fresheners did help to add to the storyline.

"Driven" is not your average movie, and I think it might not land equally well with just everyone in the audience. I did enjoy it, however, and I am rating it a six out of ten stars.

Really fun

[BandSAboutMovies · 5/10 · 17 June 2020]

Emerson Graham's (Casey Dillard, who also wrote the film) has lost her lover, her friends and even her motivation to be a stand-up comedienne. Now, she spends her nights as a cab driver, but on this fateful night, a mysterious passenger named Roger (Richard Speight Jr., Gabriel from Supernatural) gets her involved with his battle against the demonic curse against his family.

Basically, this is a movie between two actors for a good chunk of the film, shot within Emerson's rideshare car during a four hour period. I really liked how the demonic parts of this movie just sneak up on you. I'd done no reading about the film before starting to watch it and it really surprised me. I was hooked the whole way through.

I really enjoyed how the romantic parts of the partnership between the leads was played down. This is more about the battle to save the world - and their parts in it, too - than anything else. It was pretty realistic, for a movie where demons are possessing people, that is.

Okay time killer

[mvike · 4/10 · 19 September 2020]

I didn't hate this at all, but I don't get the overwhelming love for it. Is it's scary? No. Is it laugh out loud funny? No. But it's "fun".

It could easily be a TV show on something like CW. It's that kinda goofyness...not bad...but hard to see it as much of anything with substance.

The humor is very slap stick, "he's right behind me isn't he?" style. It's a bit too silly though.

It's VERY rare you'll find a HORROR/COMEDY that really truly nails it, such as Evil Dead2 or Tucker & Dale Vs Evil...and sadly, this film will be lost among the 50+ mid budget horror comedies every year. It'll be in the $1 bin within a few years.

However, that doesn't make it bad. It does it's job JUUUUST well enough to pass. The acting is not very good to be honest, but it JUST keeps above the cringe factor. So I'd give the acting a C+ the story is as basic as it gets, any 7th grader could write it...but again...it's not trying to take itself seriously.

Want a feel good, not very scary, good time killer horror comedy? This should work just fine.

Don't fall for the fake votes

[Call-Me-Mr-Smith · 1/10 · 7 October 2020]

This is another of the independent "gems", being upvoted by the "family and friends". Don't bother watching, this is an amateurish attempt at filmmaking. Acting is the least objectionable part of it, and it's not that good, so you can appreciate how fares the rest.

Snoozefest

[psychicjay-73405 · 3/10 · 11 October 2020]

If you want to watch a movie solely about a woman driving a rando guy around while arguing, this is the movie for you. Waste of time.

Low budget, no horror, barely any comedy, 2 stars 4 spoon

[joiningjt · 2/10 · 12 October 2020]

Obviously a lot of friends of the people who made this film rated it ......there is no way this movie gets a 10...... IMPOSSIBLE!! Has nothing that deserves a 10.... nothing!! The dialogue is ok, the acting below average and there was no cinematography to rate it's all filmed in a car and not filmed that well. A couple of ok jokes but it's a home made camcorder movie with amateur actors.

DRIVEN is an Indie Genre Gem

[justincharlesharlan · 7/10 · 10 July 2019]

Emerson (Casey Dillard) is a stand up comic who drives for Uber in a borrowed car. One crazy night, she picks up a strange man named Roger (Richard Speight, Independence Day/Band of Brothers). Soon, Emerson finds out more about the crazy man's mission and can't help but do her best to help. From there, the insanity begins...

A truly unique gem of a film, it clocks in as a brisk and perfectly timed 89 minutes. While I wouldn't mind spending more time with some of the characters here, it feels like the story is told well in its runtime. If any longer, the film could suffer from having large lulls or the dreaded middle third drag. Instead, it flows well from start to finish.

While clearly made on a modest budget, the film looks pretty damn good. The lighting works, the shots are framed well, and the films simply looks and feels crisp. Indie films with a great look to them always feel impressive, especially when they - like this one - actually look better than many more expensive studio films.

While Speight may be the only super recognizable face, the cast is fantastic, with he and Dillard really shining at the forefront. When you combine their performances with a strong script, great pacing, and that fantastic look of the scenes, you get a truly unique and worthwhile experience. Genre film fans will truly enjoy this one. Besides, in what other film will you ever get the chance to encounter a recurring joke about a "turd spoon"?

• Justin Harlan aka thepaintedman

Okayish..

[EvanoOruvan · 5/10 · 14 August 2020]

I saw couple of reviews that were praising this movie like anything. But i didn't find such excitement while watching this. I understand that such movies have mostly talking for most part. However, even the talking was just okayish and so great as some reviews depict. Watch it once.

Watched twice back to back

[michellekumm · 7/10 · 18 June 2020]

How can you not like this movie? If you love indy movies, this should be on your watch list!

The banter between Roger and Emerson was reminiscent of all the best "strange conversations" that serve as the best exposition in any great indy film.

Frenimies to partners in an inbelievable quest. I just wanted to know what happened after all was said and done. Where did Roger go? Did Emerson kill on stage?

Anyway, truly enjoyable and time well spent.

Throw a dog a bone.

[pacvik · 5/10 · 6 October 2020]

Think horror here is imagined by conjuring from dialogue. Waiting for some visual action, the sandman nearly took me which was more horrifying than the movie at that point. I was really trying to keep up but had to retire due to it. Believe paul_haakonsen's 17 June 2020 review is spot on. I wasn't as generous since it'll probably be a take it or leave it situation while viewing off the top for most. Not my cup of tea.

Buckle Up!

[bikilathewarrior · 8/10 · 25 December 2020]

I've always enjoyed comedy horror films (Rocky Horror, Beatle Juice are some of my faves), so this film interested me, although I wasn't sure what to expect. Another genre I would add is suspense as many of the scenes methodically build to a climatic crescendos. Some viewers may feel a little claustrophobic inside the female protagonist's car, but this was for me part of the film's appeal: you feel like you're actually in the vehicle, sharing the two leads' experiences, reluctant to leave the secure confines of the car because of the evil that may be lurking outside. Both leads were convincing in their roles although I was initially somewhat annoyed by the acrimony between them. I eventually warmed up to them and even found myself empathizing and become emotionally invested as each began to lower their defenses and work as a team. I don't want to spoil the ending, so I will close by saying that if you watch this film, buckle up because it's going to be a wild and crazy ride!

not that WOW!

[ops-52535 · 6/10 · 16 June 2020]

But not so bad either. its the story about the female uber or somewhat driver that gets a male customer in her car at her night shift. its a weird man with weird wishes, and the ride becomes a zoombiolytic odysee between heaven and hell, real life and fantasy, displaying peoples inner demons and angst in a peculliar way.

its a small cast, in and around the car location production. the angles of filmatographic possibilities are used excuisitly well, and the sound work are good.. the script is voloptuos and rich on gramatical issues, mustve been like the encyclopedia britanica or likewise on size and volume, because the actors talks extremely much, and that remains the crossroad wether you like this flick or not.

i think the main actors does a great job, though the plot development makes more questions than answers, and the end could have been more resolving than it is.. of all the driver movies ive seen this happens to hang on the average branch. so oil your little earbones for a tirade of vocal acting, or should you have tinnitus like me the grumpy old man or your wife using the kitchen fan in the background, see to shut it off. either way, its a recommend.

Fighting demons in a Honda

[richardwworkman · 5/10 · 21 February 2021]

This is an entertaining and humorous tale of a taxi driver who picks up an unusual customer.

They take a trip around town in a strange battle with the forces of darkness, who will prevail, the servants of darkness, or the Honda driver?

Loads of unduly harsh reviews on here for this, the low budget doesn't really subtract from an entertaining script.

There really isn't much horror and the comedy is pretty light but the characters are likeable enough and it's a decent plot.

Not a film for the hardcore horror fans but a decent enough watch nonetheless.

Once again people, get the hell over yourselves.

Meh!

[iamtherobotman · 4/10 · 26 August 2022]

The premise is decent. The execution, not so.

This seems to be typical of a number of films made during Covid. Minimal cast, minimal locations. It's not a negative per se, and in some cases it could be seen as a positive. This isn't a bad film either, but the script does feel forced, and in particular the 'comedy' aspects.

The acting wasn't too bad, though, for me, the driver was pretty awful. This is a film which is worth a watch, it's not a disaster, and does have a fair enough storyline. Just don't expect too much from it.

Loved it!

[thetrickstergurl · 5/10 · 23 January 2021]

I really loved this movie! Reminds me of supernatural. Wished the characters weren't in the car the entire time. Would have loved to see alot more with them. But it was really good in my opinion. Richard is always an amazing actor and he really deserves recognition!

Better than expected

[jfost75 · 7/10 · 13 October 2020]

I saw all the positive reviews for this movie and decided to give it a shot. At first glance, it appeared to be a poorly acted, very low low budget horror movie bit as it went on, I began to realize that it was intended to be ironically bad. The main character is a shared ride driver (with a name straight from a bad script) who picks up a demon hunter (Richard Speight Jr. From Supernatural) who has one night in town to vanquish several demons summoned by his great grandfather. At first, the main character comes off like a terrible actor (basically Whitney Cummings) and I seriously questioned abandoning the film...but after Speight entered the film, things seemed to improve. I feel like Speight's comic delivery helped to raise the quality of the acting in the scene. Although I can't explain the shoulder-touching scene...

We need a hero

[nogodnomasters · 7/10 · 6 July 2020]

Emerson Graham (Casey Dillard ) drives a Ferry (Uber/Lyft). She picks up a fare, Roger (Richard Speight Jr. )who wants to drive to different houses and visit people. We see through the window of the first stop that there was an altercation, however PLOT SPOILER he is not a serial killer, but hunting interdimensional beings who he calls "demons" for lack of a better word. Emerson is dragged into the hunt.

This is a low budget film which consists of 2 people in a car driving and talking. You would think it would be boring like Ryan Reynolds being buried alive, but the flawed personalities made things interesting. I was filmed in Tupelo, Ms\Mississippi, which was not mentioned.

No sex or nudity. No swearing that I recall.

Funny, charming, thriller.

[kenmoring · 8/10 · 18 November 2020]

Its all about the dialogue. Well written, decent plot about an amateur comedian who "ubers" at night. Picks up a demon hunter and the quest begins. Casey Dillard wrote this and was the main actress. I will look for more of her work in the future. The reviews are a mixed bag on here. If you like entertaining campy movies you'll enjoy. If you want to watch blood and guts, boobs and buns, depravity minded comedy you'll be disappointed and should consider therapy.

Not really a horror

[SSK9030 · 7/10 · 25 October 2020]

The movie is about as scary as an After School Special so if that's what you're looking for you're not going to find it. I nearly turned off the movie after the Instagram teens because it was so embarrassingly cheesy. Dillard's practiced lines for her comedy routine were also pretty bad. Once Speight enters the car though, the movie becomes much more amusing. Driven is more droll than laugh out loud but Dillard and Speight work together well.

Lightweight Horror Comedy

[Foutainoflife · 6/10 · 19 July 2020]

A driver has a strange night after picking up an eccentric, nervous passenger on a supernatural mission.

Not a bad flick. Decided to watch this after spotting Richard Speight, Jr as one of the main characters. I loved his portrayal as "The Trickster" in Supernatural and wanted to see how he'd do with a larger role. He gave a decent performance here.

I had a few issues with the film. It was a bit vague when it came to explaining who or what the entities were, the pace was a bit on the slow side and there wasn't a good sense that what you were watching was horror. I'm a horror buff though so I could be a bit desensitized.

Overall it was a decent film. A little quirky with a splash of supernatural.

z movie

[doommacari · 6/10 · 19 June 2020]

No budget i guess for this movie but it's good fun

Can't Watch Just Once!

[datajana-24705 · 10/10 · 18 June 2020]

I saw this at a screening, and was disappointed that it wasn't longer because it was THAT good! It's the sort of movie you can watch on repeat. The sort of movie you love to watch with a big bowl of freshly popped popcorn. The sort of movie you like to watch with friends when you feel like comedy and scary times.

The writer, director, and actors brought their A-game in Driven. I left the screening with my friend excited over the movie, and they felt the same. We talked about it for days, and will watch my dvd over and over and over...

What Is A Turdspoon???

[wandernn1-81-683274 · 7/10 · 10 October 2020]

So we have a Driver, like an UBER driver, who picks up a fare. Going to 22 Elmwood Lane. So he makes her wait for him first stop, we see a body snatched away from a window while she waits. Then on to a second stop. He's in and out of that House as well, pretty fast. Then we wants to MOVE ON to his next destination, and for some reason she wants to drop him off.

Then a COP pulls them over, and the COP GETS TAKEN DOWN BY SOME WOMAN CREATURE!!!

Now he explains that that was a DEMON THAT TOOK OUT THAT COP!!

What is a turdspoon???

Okay so anyhow , she keeps spraying scented OILS into the air in the car and driving Roger, his name, crazy. So Roger, he's hunting these EVIL SPIRITS.

-1 sTAR For why does she just happen to have a silver spoon in her car???

+1 Star for a great line. 'Your family they look at a problem and immediately resort to summoning something.'

+1 sTAR FOR HTE Story of the Turdspoon!!!!

They get accosted by a DEMON . We find out ROGER can't drive. But EMERSON, she can drive. At least.

+1 Star for the funny convo about A and E lol

Okay then we get to the Demon Hunt part... that was pretty bad. ROGER gets possessed, and EMERSON has to do the ritual to close the portal. And she saves ROGER.

The End was pretty funny. All in all this wasn't TOO BAD of a movie. It was all talking. Not a lot of special effects if any at all. The pacing was good because it seemed to move along and not get boring at all. The demon hunting part was just like a subplot for two people to have a funny conversation, mostly about the Turdspoon.

7/10

Fun Movie

[rtstuart · 7/10 · 27 October 2020]

I really enjoyed the style of this movie. It played a little more like a long tv show than an intense movie. I really enjoyed the witty dialogue and quirky storyline. Not a typical scary, supernatural movie. I recommend giving it a try.

You've entered the Twilight Zone . . . via a ride share

[rdfranciscritic · 7/10 · 20 January 2023]

I first watched the works of writer-director Glenn Payne (lead actress Casey Dillard pens, here) by way of this film, which came to B&S About Movies as a P. R. screener. That official critic review was assigned to another writer. I did, however, officially review Payne's next-best distributed streamer to date: Killer Concept (2021). I just stumbled into Driven, once again, on my Smart TV: I decided to watch it again and, finally, give my own take on the film.

As with Payne, Dilllard (who wrote and stars in Killer Concept with director Payne) has written over a dozen shorts. As is the case with indies: you have to write what you know, write around what's available to you, and keep the story contained so as to maximize the budget available. So, I have this feeling Dillard has Uber'd between the writing gigs to pay the bills; heck, she probably wrote Driven on a lap top between the stop lights!

As you can tell by the numerous user and critic reviews, Driven, deservingly, got around the marketplace. The streaming enticement, here, is the always welcomed, familiar face of Richard Speight from TV's Supernatural. So, yes, it pays to have a familiar name on that theatrical one-sheet. It is sad to say, but if an unknown-yet-capable Mississippi actor (where this was shot) had been cast instead, many wouldn't have streamed this budget-smart film.

Dillard's Emerson Graham, instead of being a struggling writer, is a struggling comedienne (which I believe she pursues in real life; again: write what you know) dealing with a romantic break up. So, as with Travis Bickle before her: her life sucks and with zero motivation, she ferries backseat passengers to make coin. Only, on this night, her problems get worse: she picks up Roger, on the run from a demonic curse and his quest to save the world from it.

I see other reviewers drop Sam Raimi. Uh, yeah, there's a pinch of Evil Dead, here (even on a smaller budget than Sam's flick). So, instead of a cabin, we're trapped in a cab.

The on-the-budget effects are solid, Dillard's proved herself to me with Killer Concept, and Payne, as well, in the director's seat going back to Earthrise (2014), so what's not to like? They're self-financed indie filmmakers who need to write and need to act, so they're making their way, creating stories. Hopefully, along the way, team Payne-Dillard can secure the services of the oft-working Eric Roberts or Tom Sizemore -- both who are very cool in their quick-to-help indie guys like Payne and Dillard get their films distributed -- and inspire the masses to stream their worthy efforts.

If Driven is an example of what they can do with lawn money and couch cushion change, then what they can accomplish with an official production company-studio shingle's backing will certainly be impressive.