The web is an unpredictable domain, saturated with harsh memes, ubiquitous AI-generated content, and unsettling videos that can lead to trauma. In this treacherous environment, *American Sweatshop* presents a suspenseful story centered on a woman’s path after witnessing something unforgettable.
*Riverdale*’s Lili Reinhart portrays Daisy, who dreams of becoming a nurse to assist others but currently serves as a social media moderator. At night, she unwinds by watching videos on her phone, but by day, she confronts the internet’s grim realities, scrutinizing videos of mutilation, decapitations, and animal cruelty to determine whether they comply with her employer’s guidelines.
This role exacts a heavy psychological burden. Uta Briesewitz, recognized for helming tech-driven series like *Severance* and *Black Mirror*, directs *American Sweatshop*. In a manner akin to those mind-bending shows, this movie explores a dark narrative. When Daisy stumbles upon what appears to be a genuine snuff film, merely flagging it proves insufficient. The haunting visuals drive her to uncover the truth and pursue justice, even if it results in her becoming a vigilante.
After its debut at SXSW, I assessed *American Sweatshop*. As noted in the trailer, it’s portrayed as “a cyberthriller for the doomscrolling era.” This gripping thriller “gets under your skin, slithering up your spine to warp your mind. Similar to the internet videos that inspire it, the chills from *American Sweatshop* are difficult to shake off.”
*American Sweatshop* premieres in select theaters and on demand on September 19.