What Is Spree About?
The premise of Spree in 299 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a near‑future city where every commute is a potential broadcast, a sleek rides‑hailing platform called Spree has turned ordinary trips into staged performances. Screens glow on every street corner, and the line between private life and public spectacle has blurred into a relentless feed of likes, follows, and viral moments. The film opens amid this hyper‑connected landscape, where the promise of instant fame hangs like a neon sign over every passerby, inviting anyone daring enough to step into the spotlight.
Kurt, a socially isolated driver, clings to the idea that his ordinary existence can be reshaped into something spectacular. With a cramped sedan wired to stream live, he launches a series titled “#thelesson,” hoping to teach—and prove—the art of becoming an internet star from the backseat of his car. His ambition is fueled by a deep envy of those already basking in digital adulation, and the audience he imagines watching his every maneuver becomes both his motivation and his obsession. The tone is a darkly comic meditation on the hunger for validation, framed by the claustrophobic intimacy of a moving camera and the endless hum of city traffic.
Around Kurt circulate other figures caught in the same current of desire: a charismatic influencer whose numbers have already skyrocketed, and Jessie, a comedian with a sizable following who treats the platform with both cynicism and curiosity. Their brief intersections hint at the precarious balance between admiration and rivalry, as each strives to outshine the other in a world that rewards exposure above all else. The film’s atmosphere pulses with uneasy humor and tension, suggesting that the quest for online immortality may be as hazardous as it is alluring, and leaving viewers to wonder just how far someone will go when the line between performance and reality begins to dissolve.
What Happens in Spree?
The complete story of Spree, from the first scene to the last, in 570 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
A young man named Kurt Kunkle is driven by an intense desire to attain social media fame and go viral. His jealousy towards Bobby, a child he once babysat who has now become an internet sensation with impressive livestreaming numbers, pushes him deeper into his obsession. Eventually, Kurt secures a job with a rideshare app called Spree, transforming his vehicle into a mobile broadcasting studio equipped with cameras for a new livestream series titled “The Lesson,” where he gives viewers tips on becoming social media stars.
As Kurt begins driving passengers, he resorts to a chilling tactic by poisoning bottles of water, subsequently handing them to unsuspecting riders in a bid for notoriety. Unfortunately for him, despite his heinous acts, his audience remains minimal, save for Bobby, who naively assumes that the murders are staged. When he later picks up Jessie Adams, a comedian boasting a substantial social media following, Kurt is starstruck, although Jessie remains unimpressed by his fixation on followers and exits the ride.
Things take a sinister turn when Kurt discovers that Jessie will be performing at an upcoming comedy show streamed to millions. Desperate for exposure, he confronts Bobby, demanding that he share his stream. When Bobby refuses and starts livestreaming their heated exchange instead, Kurt’s jealousy boils over—resulting in Bobby’s murder. He subsequently hijacks Bobby’s audience under the guise of an elaborate show, with viewers mistakenly believing it to be an act.
Kurt’s father, Kris Kunkle, also unwittingly gets ensnared in Kurt’s dark web, asking for a ride to a club where a DJ named uNo is performing. After picking up Kris and driving him to the venue, Kurt courts uNo’s attention but is initially met with rejection. However, she later agrees to tag Kurt in a post—under the condition that he brings her food from a taco truck. While waiting, uNo accidentally showcases Bobby’s gun on a livestream before consuming the poisoned water, collapsing shortly after.
When police officers approach, their interrogation piques their suspicion about Kurt, who is already being labeled “The Rideshare Killer,” as news of his crimes begins to circulate. uNo survives, but in a panic, she shoots one officer and escapes, leading to an intense pursuit that culminates in Kurt crashing through a homeless encampment to evade capture. Amid the chaos, Spree is put on hold for an investigation.
Jessie, using her stage time to critique society’s thirst for social media accolades, crafts a viral segment where she destroys her phone, marking the end of her set with a dramatic mic drop. Ironically, after having a few too many drinks, she finds herself in another rideshare with Kurt, who has killed the previous driver. Kurt viciously taunts Jessie, insinuating that her phone’s destruction leaves her without a means of escape.
A fierce struggle ensues in the vehicle, leading to a crash where Jessie seizes the opportunity to regain control. After confronting Kurt at his house, she discovers the shocking fate of his mother before a chaotic climax unfolds. In a desperate and brutal struggle with Kurt, Jessie manages to turn the tables, and in the end, she makes a stunning public spectacle by taking a selfie with his lifeless body.
With her act of defiance rapidly elevating her status to a nationwide celebrity, Jessie emerges as a beacon against Kurt’s tyranny, while the infamy surrounding Kurt’s gruesome endeavors gains traction in obscure corners of the internet, solidifying his infamous legacy.
Spree Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Kurt's Obsession with Fame” to “Kurt's Infamous Legacy”. 3 events name a place, across 2 locations.
- 1
Kurt's Obsession with Fame
Kurt Kunkle, a young man yearning for social media fame, is driven by jealousy over Bobby, a child he once babysat who has become an internet sensation. This obsession ignites Kurt's desire to find any means to go viral and be recognized in the digital world.
- 2
Starting with Spree
Securing a job with the rideshare app Spree, Kurt transforms his car into a mobile broadcasting studio. Eager to broadcast his journey, he launches a new livestream series titled 'The Lesson,' aiming to share tips on gaining social media popularity.
- 3
The Chilling Tactic
As Kurt begins to drive passengers, he devises a sinister plan by poisoning bottles of water. He hands these to unsuspecting riders, believing that the ensuing chaos will propel him to fame, despite the morality of his actions.
- 4
The Encounter with Jessie
Kurt picks up Jessie Adams, a popular comedian with a significant social media following. Starstruck by her fame, Kurt is keen to impress, but Jessie is unimpressed by his obsession with followers, leading her to exit the ride early.
- 5
The Comedy Show Revelation
Upon learning that Jessie will perform at a comedy show streamed to millions, Kurt grows increasingly desperate for recognition. He confronts Bobby, demanding his assistance, but when Bobby refuses, an unexpected confrontation ensues.
- 6
Murder on Stream
During their heated argument, Kurt’s jealousy escalates into violence, resulting in Bobby’s murder. He hijacks Bobby's streaming audience, attempting to convince them that the murder is an elaborate act for entertainment purposes.
- 7
Kurt's Father Gets Involved
Kurt's father, Kris Kunkle, unknowingly becomes part of his son's dark world, requesting a ride to a club where DJ uNo performs. Kurt's pursuit of social media visibility leads him to attempt to impress uNo, but he faces initial rejection.
Where:Nightclub
- 8
The Poisoned Performance
As Kurt waits for uNo to fulfill her promise of a social media tag, she unwittingly consumes the poisoned water. This results in her sudden collapse, drawing attention and raising suspicions about Kurt’s actions involving his passengers.
Where:Nightclub
- 9
Becoming the Rideshare Killer
With the police investigating the chaos surrounding the poisoned performances, Kurt's actions lead to him being labeled as 'The Rideshare Killer.' This notoriety begins to spread on social media, heightening his infamous image.
- 10
Jessie's Viral Commentary
Jessie uses her comedy stage time to critique society's obsession with social media fame. In a powerful act, she destroys her phone on stage, which goes viral, thus marking the end of her performance with a shocking mic drop.
Show the other 4 events of Spree Hide the last 4 events
- 11
A Dangerous Ride Home
Ironically, after a night of excessive drinking, Jessie finds herself in a rideshare with Kurt, who has just killed the previous driver. Their encounter turns hostile as Kurt viciously taunts Jessie about her previous actions during her performance.
- 12
The Final Confrontation
A fierce struggle unfolds in the vehicle as Jessie fights for her life, leading to a crash that allows her to regain control. She confronts Kurt at his house, where she uncovers the disturbing truth about his mother’s fate.
Where:Kurt's House
- 13
The Public Spectacle
In a dramatic climax, Jessie turns the tables on Kurt, resulting in his death. She makes a bold statement by taking a selfie with his body, catapulting her to fame and declaring her a hero against his tyrannical actions.
- 14
Kurt's Infamous Legacy
As Jessie's fame flourishes, Kurt's infamous actions continue to circulate in less reputable corners of the internet. His legacy as 'The Rideshare Killer' remains, but Jessie's defiance serves as a significant counterpoint to his disturbing narrative.
Who Are the Main Characters in Spree?
3 characters, among them Kurt Kunkle (Joe Keery), Jessie Adams (Sasheer Zamata) and Kris Kunkle (David Arquette): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Kurt Kunkle (Joe Keery)
Played by Joe Keery
Kurt Kunkle is an obsessed individual driven by his desire to gain social media fame, leading him down a dark path. His jealousy towards Bobby, a successful internet figure, fuels his psychopathic actions. Despite his disturbing behavior, Kurt embodies the tragic consequences of modern fame and societal indifference.
- 🧟♂️ Obsession
- 😡 Jealousy
- 🌟 Fame
-
Jessie Adams (Sasheer Zamata)
Played by Sasheer Zamata
Jessie Adams is a confident and ambitious comedian who challenges Kurt's views on fame and social media. While she initially seems unimpressed by his obsession, she ultimately becomes his adversary. Jessie's courage and defiance in the face of danger highlight her resilience against Kurt's toxic influence.
- 🎤 Comedy
- ✊ Defiance
- 🌟 Authenticity
-
Kris Kunkle (David Arquette)
Played by David Arquette
Kris Kunkle is Kurt's father, who unknowingly becomes entwined in his son's dark schemes. His desire for connection with Kurt adds emotional depth to the narrative, contrasting with Kurt's violent actions. Kris's character serves to humanize Kurt amidst his horrifying behavior.
- 👨👦 Family
- 🔄 Conflict
- 🌪️ Chaos
Where and When Is Spree Set?
Spree is set in City streets, Rideshare vehicle and Comedy club. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie is set in a contemporary time frame reflecting the present-day obsession with social media fame and the consequences of such desires. It highlights the pressures and repercussions of internet culture without specifying a distinct historical period.
Where
City streets, Rideshare vehicle, Comedy club
The film unfolds across city streets where ridesharing takes place, showcasing the anonymity and dangers of urban life. The rideshare vehicle itself is transformed into a mobile broadcasting studio, becoming a pivotal location for Kurt's sinister activities. The comedy club serves as a contrasting backdrop, where Jessie performs before a live audience, providing insight into the world of entertainment and social media fame.
- 🚖 Rideshare
- 🎤 Comedy
What Are the Themes of Spree?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Social Media, Violence and Identity.
-
01
Social Media
The movie explores the pervasive influence of social media on personal identity and ambition. Kurt's obsessive pursuit of fame leads him to commit heinous acts, all in the name of going viral. This dark commentary reveals the dangerous lengths individuals will go to in order to achieve recognition in the digital age.
-
02
Violence
Violence is central to the narrative, as Kurt's desperation manifests in his murderous actions against those he envies or sees as obstacles. The film forces viewers to grapple with the consequences of unchecked jealousy and the normalization of violence in pursuit of fame, blending horror with dark comedy.
-
03
Identity
Identity plays a significant role as characters navigate their personas in the digital realm. Kurt's transformation from a rideshare driver to a self-styled influencer highlights the blurred lines between reality and online personas. Jessie's struggle against Kurt's toxic influence underscores the importance of authenticity amidst a sea of curated identities.
What Kind of Film Is Spree?
Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A chaotic and darkly comedic thriller that feels like a stressful, high-speed ride into the desperate psyche of a social media-obsessed killer, creating a tense and unsettling viewing experience.
- desperate
- anxious
- sinister
- unhinged
- chaotic
- cynical
- obsession with fame
- social media influence
- serial killer
- livestreaming
Content notes: murder, graphic violence, poisoning, child death, reckless driving.
Quiz
How well do you remember Spree? Test yourself on the story.
