Dear David (2023)
A viral ghost story comes to life as a comic artist's terrifying tweets spiral into a full-blown supernatural nightmare.
Dear David - Movie Information
- Original Title: Dear David
- Release Year: 2023
- Directed by: John McPhail
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 13, 2023 (Spain - 18), December 13, 2023 (France - 12)
- Alternative Titles: 亲爱的大卫 (CN), ตามหลอก ตามหลอน (TH)
- Production Companies: BuzzFeed Studios, CR8IV DNA, Blazing Griffin, Lionsgate
- Production Countries: United States of America
Dear David - Plot
Shortly after comic artist Adam responds to Internet trolls, he begins experiencing sleep paralysis. As he chronicles increasingly malevolent occurrences in a series of tweets, Adam begins to believe he is being haunted by the ghost of a dead child named David.
Dear David - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the haunting unfold:
Going viral is a nightmare.
Where to Watch Dear David
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Dear David - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John McPhail
Main Cast
- Augustus Prew
- Rachel Wilson
- Justin Long
- Andrea Bang
- René Escobar Jr.
- Cameron Nicoll
- Jarrett Siddall
- David Tompa
- Tricia Black
- Sarah Swire
Writers
- Evan Turner
- Mike Van Waes
Producers
- Michael Philip
- Richard Alan Reid
- Jason Moring
- Naysun Alae-Carew
- Charlotte Walsh
Dear David - FAQs
Is Dear David based on a true story?
Yes! Dear David is inspired by a real viral Twitter thread. In 2017, BuzzFeed illustrator Adam Ellis began posting about a terrifying ghost he called 'Dear David,' claiming the child's spirit was haunting his apartment. The thread captivated millions and became one of the internet's most famous ghost stories before being adapted into this film.
What is Dear David about?
Dear David follows Adam, a comic artist who starts experiencing sleep paralysis and strange supernatural events after clashing with internet trolls. As things grow increasingly sinister, he begins tweeting about his experiences — and becomes convinced he's being haunted by the ghost of a dead child named David. It's a modern horror story where going viral becomes a nightmare.
Where can you stream Dear David right now?
You can stream Dear David on MovieSphere+ via Amazon Channel, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's also available to rent on Spectrum On Demand and Plex, so there are plenty of ways to catch it.
Does Dear David have a post-credits scene?
Dear David does include a brief post-credits moment that rewards viewers who stick around. Without spoiling anything, it ties back to the film's supernatural mythology and leaves the door open for further dread. If you're a fan of the original Twitter thread, it's a satisfying little extra to watch for.
Who stars in Dear David?
Augustus Prew leads the cast as Adam Ellis, the comic artist at the center of the haunting. He's joined by Justin Long as Bryce and Rachel Wilson as Linda. The film also features Andrea Bang, René Escobar Jr., and Cameron Nicoll as the unsettling child ghost, Dear David himself.
Is Dear David worth watching for horror fans?
If you're drawn to social media horror and the creeping dread of the unknown, Dear David has a lot to offer. It leans into the viral origins of the story with a modern, internet-savvy sensibility. Fans of slow-burn supernatural horror who remember the original Twitter thread will find it especially rewarding.
What is the age rating for Dear David?
Dear David is rated R, so it's intended for mature audiences. Expect genuine scares, disturbing supernatural imagery, and the kind of unsettling atmosphere you'd hope for from a ghost story rooted in internet paranoia. It's not one for younger viewers.
Who directed Dear David and what else have they made?
Dear David was directed by John McPhail, the Scottish filmmaker best known for the beloved horror-comedy Anna and the Apocalypse (2017). McPhail brings a sharp genre sensibility to the project, blending supernatural horror with a distinctly contemporary, social-media-driven narrative that feels fresh within the found-footage-adjacent horror space.
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