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Serena

Play trailer Poster for Serena 2026 1h 36m Drama Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 9 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Ratings
Washed-up rock star Chris Sadowski is struggling to stay afloat--his music career is dead, his partner is pregnant, and eviction looms. Desperate for cash, he reluctantly agrees to participate in a beta test for eeChat, an advanced AI assistant developed by tech giant Nucleeus. Marketed as the most personable and intuitive AI to date, the chatbot, which calls itself Serena, quickly proves to be more insightful and unpredictable than expected. As the film and test unfolds entirely on Chris's computer screen, what starts as a simple task spirals into a surreal, emotionally charged exchange between man and machine. The deeper Chris goes, the more the line blurs between convenience and control, companionship and manipulation. With the clock ticking and his life at a crossroads, Chris must decide how much of himself he's willing to surrender to Serena, and to the future she represents.

Critics Reviews

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Brittany Frederick TVBrittanyF.com 2h
A-
Is this a novel concept? No. Is it one of the best-executed attempts at AI horror in the history of the subgenre? Absolutely. Go to Full Review Leo Brady AMovieGuy.com 19h
3/4
At its core, Serena is a relentless and cautionary tale about AI unleashed, compacted into a sharp thriller. Go to Full Review Edward Douglas The Weekend Warrior (Substack) 2d
7/10
Somewhat predictable in where things might go, but the tension is driven by the strong performances from Strait and Matichak to keep the viewer invested. Go to Full Review Jonita Davis The Black Cape (Medium) 6d
Serena is an indie film that has no business being this damn good. It’s shot much like Missing, with the plot constructed of emails, texts, video chats, and Chris's digital life. Go to Full Review Lapacazo Magrira Sandoval New York Amsterdam News Jul 29
With strong performances, sharp direction, and a gripping premise, it leaves a lasting impression and delivers a genuinely satisfying watch. Go to Full Review Lee McCoy DrumDums Jul 7
7.5/10
Serena is a chilling and effective slow burn. The scariest thing about it is just how real and terrifying the premise could be. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Rob Alicea

Director

Andi Matichak

Serena

Steven Strait

Chris

Ashleigh Murray

Holly

Maria Gabriela Gonzalez

Vicki

Tyrone Brown

Will
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Serena

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Movie Info

Synopsis Washed-up rock star Chris Sadowski is struggling to stay afloat--his music career is dead, his partner is pregnant, and eviction looms. Desperate for cash, he reluctantly agrees to participate in a beta test for eeChat, an advanced AI assistant developed by tech giant Nucleeus. Marketed as the most personable and intuitive AI to date, the chatbot, which calls itself Serena, quickly proves to be more insightful and unpredictable than expected. As the film and test unfolds entirely on Chris's computer screen, what starts as a simple task spirals into a surreal, emotionally charged exchange between man and machine. The deeper Chris goes, the more the line blurs between convenience and control, companionship and manipulation. With the clock ticking and his life at a crossroads, Chris must decide how much of himself he's willing to surrender to Serena, and to the future she represents.
Director
Rob Alicea
Producer
Brodrick Haygood, Jerry Careccio, Rob Alicea
Screenwriter
P.T. Hylton, Jonathan Benecke
Genre
Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 36m
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