You don’t need to be a Dropout fan to love Izzy Roland’s D(e)ad
The indie supernatural drama film D(e)ad, funded through a successful 2024 Kickstarter campaign, brings together several notable content creators from the internet comedy streaming service Dropout TV. The film was written by and stars comedian Isabella Roland, alongside fellow Dropout alumni Vic Michaelis and Zac Oyama, as well as Brennan Lee Mulligan, the creator of the tabletop streaming series Dimension 20 and current Dungeon Master for Critical Role. Craig Bierko rounds out the cast in a supporting role.
The dark comedy follows Tillie, a dysfunctional young woman struggling with her unresolved relationship with her alcoholic father, Daniel. When Daniel dies, his ghost begins appearing in mirrors and haunting Tillie, driving the film’s supernatural and comedic elements. This premise of dealing with a ghostly parent creates the foundation for the film’s exploration of family dysfunction and the supernatural.
While the project naturally appeals to dedicated Dropout TV fans who are already familiar with its cast and crew, critics suggest the film has broader appeal. According to the review, viewers unfamiliar with Dropout’s extensive content library may actually enjoy D(e)ad even more, indicating that the dark comedy stands on its own merits beyond its core internet personality fanbase. The film demonstrates that indie productions can succeed through community funding while attracting audiences beyond their initial target demographic.