The film, the unfortunate existence of which was announced on Tuesday, will be called Anne, because honestly, what else can you possibly call it? “Anne’s Place?” Nope! Let’s not explore further.
“We are deeply committed to sharing Anne’s experience using cutting-edge modes of storytelling so that her story can live on and reach as many young people in the world as possible,” the film’s writer-director, Danny Abrahms, wrote in a press release.
Abrahms promises viewers the chance to “feel like they are there,” because who among us hasn’t thirsted for the opportunity to witness firsthand the grievous inhumanity of being a 13-year-old girl locked in a tiny annex with her family while the threat of death looms just outside the door?
The idea of an Anne Frank virtual reality experience isn’t totally novel: The Anne Frank House museum itself offers an immersive tour for visitors with restricted mobility. But I don’t need to point out the difference between an on-site experiential aid and a fun theatrical Night Out to be enjoyed over popcorn while the toddler next to you struggles to silence his iPhone.
According to Hollywood Reporter, the film will be produced by Jonah Hirsch, whose past credits include a VR film called First, about the Wright brothers’ historic flight.
Abrahms’ other work appears to include a web series called Self-Help, about “a self-conscious man-child’s inner dialogue brought to life.” This should go well.
Image via Getty.
