A Beginner's Guide to Snuff 2017

Thriller

Horror

Comedy

Box Office

$21K

Runtime

87 min

Language

English

Directed by

Mitchell Altieri

Made by

Indican Pictures

Test your knowledge of A Beginner's Guide to Snuff with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for A Beginner's Guide to Snuff (2017). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

In a daring attempt to break into the horror genre, aspiring filmmakers Dresden and Dominic decide to create a found footage film that skillfully blurs the line between reality and fiction. Their journey begins with auditions for an unsuspecting actress named Jennifer, who unwittingly gets caught in their devious plot. The brothers deliberately choose to keep their true intentions hidden, aiming to elicit authentic reactions from Jennifer without her knowledge or consent. Driven by an intense passion for cinema, Dresden defends their unorthodox strategy as a necessary step in pushing the limits of art and ethics.

As the sinister plan unfolds, the brothers kidnap Jennifer, intending to stage a series of horrifying scenarios meant to evoke fear. However, their amateurish tactics prove ineffective as Jennifer remains resilient, quickly realizing their incompetence. Seizing her chance, she escapes, only to find that her captors are not the sole bearers of secrets.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Jennifer asserts her dominance, holding the brothers at gunpoint. As the situation spirals out of control, a shocking revelation comes to light: their intended victim is not as innocent as she seems, but rather a psychopathic killer who has already taken the life of Kenneth Kennedy. The brothers quickly find themselves engulfed in their own nightmare, while Jennifer delights in her newfound control, toying with their fears and documenting their torment for her own malicious purposes.

In a chilling climax, Jennifer’s sadistic games culminate in the ultimate tragedy as she mercilessly ends the lives of both Dresden and Dominic. Yet, the horror does not end there; this gruesome spectacle serves as just a precursor to the devastating reality that their film is set to premiere on Christmas Eve. The juxtaposition of holiday festivities and horrific cinematic gore promises to immortalize the brothers in the annals of found footage horror.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of A Beginner's Guide to Snuff (2017) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Brothers' Ambitious Plan

Aspiring filmmakers Dresden and Dominic decide to create a found footage film that blends reality and fiction. They are eager to push the boundaries of the horror genre, driven by their passion for cinema.

Casting Call for Jennifer

The brothers hold auditions for an actress, ultimately selecting Jennifer without revealing their true intentions. Their goal is to capture genuine reactions from her by keeping her in the dark about their plans.

Kidnapping Jennifer

In a twisted turn of events, the brothers kidnap Jennifer to stage a series of frightening scenarios designed to evoke authentic terror. Their amateur approach leads to a botched execution of their sinister plan.

Jennifer's Resilience

Despite their efforts, Jennifer demonstrates remarkable resilience and skepticism towards her captors. Realizing the brothers' incompetence, she finds an opportunity to escape and regain her freedom.

The Tables Turn

In a surprising twist, Jennifer asserts control over the situation, holding Dresden and Dominic at gunpoint. The brothers, once the predators, now find themselves terrified of their own victim.

Revelation of Secrets

Amidst the chaos, a shocking truth emerges: Jennifer is not merely an unsuspecting actress but a psychopathic killer. This revelation shatters the brothers' perceptions and escalates the tension between them.

The Ghost of Kenneth Kennedy

As the brothers grapple with the nightmare they created, it is unveiled that Jennifer has already taken the life of Kenneth Kennedy. This adds a chilling layer to the already precarious situation.

Jennifer's Sadistic Games

Jennifer begins to toy with Dresden and Dominic, relishing her newfound power. She documents their fear, transforming them into the unwitting subjects of her own twisted narrative.

Ultimate Reckoning

The tension spirals into a horrific climax when Jennifer mercilessly ends the lives of both Dresden and Dominic. Their ambition to create a horror masterpiece results in tragic consequences.

Premiere on Christmas Eve

The horror culminates with the revelation that their film is slated to premiere on Christmas Eve. The juxtaposition of holiday cheer and gruesome imagery ensures the brothers will be remembered in the found footage genre.

Characters

Explore all characters from A Beginner's Guide to Snuff (2017). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Dresden

Dresden is an ambitious but misguided filmmaker driven by a passion for horror. He believes in the necessity of pushing ethical boundaries in art, which ultimately leads to his and his brother's downfall. His character illustrates the dangers of unchecked ambition and moral indifference.

🎬 Filmmaker 💔 Tragic Flaw

Dominic

Dominic, Dresden's partner in crime, initially appears to be an accomplice to their twisted plan. However, as events spiral out of control, his character reveals insecurities and a lack of capability, highlighting the dangers of pursuing art without awareness of its consequences.

🎥 Aspiring Artist 🔥 Reckless

Jennifer

Jennifer begins as an unsuspecting victim of the brothers' scheme but quickly evolves into a formidable antagonist. Her resilience and eventual reveal as a psychopathic killer transforms the narrative, showcasing her cunning and sadistic tendencies as she manipulates her captors.

🧟‍♀️ Antagonist 🔥 Resilient

Setting

Learn where and when A Beginner's Guide to Snuff (2017) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

Christmas Eve

The events unfold leading up to Christmas Eve, a time usually associated with joy and celebration. This stark juxtaposition of festive cheer and the unfolding horror amplifies the tension and heightens the audience's emotional response, making the horror all the more striking.

Location

Filmmaking Studio, Jennifer's Home

The filmmaking studio serves as the starting point for Dresden and Dominic's unconventional project, where ideas are transformed into the chilling realities of their film. Jennifer's home, the site of her capture, symbolizes innocence turned into a battleground, showcasing the stark contrast between her normal life and the horror unfolding around her.

🎬 Filmmaking 🏠 Home

Themes

Discover the main themes in A Beginner's Guide to Snuff (2017). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🎭

Reality vs. Fiction

The film explores the fine line between reality and fiction, as the characters manipulate situations to evoke genuine fear. This theme raises questions about the ethics of filmmaking and the lengths to which creators will go to capture authenticity, ultimately blurring the boundaries of moral responsibility.

🕵️‍♀️

Deception

Deception permeates the narrative as both the filmmakers and Jennifer hide their true identities and intentions. The brothers' scheme to capture real terror evolves into their dramatic downfall when they face the darker secrets of their intended victim.

🔪

Violence

Violence is central to the story as it crescendos to shocking moments of horror. What begins as a misguided cinematic project escalates into a deadly game, forcing the characters to confront the grim realities of their actions and the true cost of their ambition.

Movies with Similar Twists and Themes

Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.