Horror Movie News Report
Chat, the first feature from filmmaker Ole J. Hartmann, will be available on Amazon beginning September 4, 2026. In a review published August 26, iHorror’s Jarob Gilliam examined how the independently produced horror film uses a reported $25,000 budget to tell a story involving artificial intelligence, family conflict, and demonic influence.
The film centers on a family of three who relocate to a house in rural Texas. After finding a tablet in his closet, the family’s son begins communicating with an AI called Beelzebul. The AI offers to show him something interesting, but only if he keeps their conversations secret from his parents. The story then follows the consequences across the next three days.
Gilliam’s review praises the film’s production work, particularly its special effects, action choreography, editing, color grading, lighting, props, and sound. According to the review, those elements give Chat a level of polish that belies its limited budget. Gilliam also describes Hartmann’s direction as deliberate and says the filmmaker demonstrates a clear visual approach for a first feature.
The review notes that Chat contains graphic material, including a particularly memorable toilet-related sequence, while also stating that the film uses such moments sparingly. Gilliam characterizes the effects as convincing and says the movie’s main cast delivers solid performances. Carter Sirianni receives specific praise for his portrayal of Brad, described in the review as a loving husband who continues to flirt with his wife after years of marriage.
Gilliam does identify some reservations. The review questions whether the film is aiming for camp or a more serious tone, pointing to several exaggerated performances and exchanges that suggest the former. It also mentions pacing problems in the middle portion of the movie, though these are described as minor.
The review does not reveal Chat’s ending, but calls it controversial and says it prompted thoughts about alternative ways the story could have concluded. Overall, Gilliam describes the film as an engaging production that makes effective use of its small budget. Chat will arrive on Amazon on September 4, 2026.
