Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

The Beta Test

The Beta Test is a written and directed by and PJ McCabe, starring Cummings as Jordan Hines, a high-powered whose life unravels after receiving a mysterious pink envelope inviting him to an anonymous sexual encounter. The film satirizes the cutthroat world of deal-making and explores themes of , , and moral decay as Jordan's impulsive decision leads him into a involving , , and professional ruin. Co-written, co-directed, and co-produced by its leads, The Beta Test blends elements with , drawing comparisons to films like and for its tense psychological descent. Premiering at the 2021 on June 11, it received a limited theatrical and video-on-demand release in the United States on November 5, 2021, distributed by . The supporting cast includes Virginia Newcomb as Jordan's fiancée Caroline Gaines, with PJ McCabe in a key role. Shot on a modest budget in , the movie employs Cummings' signature style of manic performances and rapid editing to heighten its chaotic energy. Critically acclaimed upon release, The Beta Test earned a 92% approval rating from 87 critics on , with praise for its bold satire and Cummings' intense portrayal of unraveling masculinity. On , it scored 72 out of 100 based on 18 reviews, indicating "generally favorable" . Roger Ebert's review awarded it three out of four stars, lauding its "remorseless" critique of ambition. The film garnered several festival accolades, including the Encounters Award at the 2022 , the Grand Jury Prize at the 2021 Nashville Film Festival. These honors underscored its impact on the independent cinema circuit, cementing Cummings and McCabe's reputation for innovative, genre-bending storytelling following their earlier collaborations like Thunder Road (2018).

Background

Directors and Writers

Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe co-directed and co-wrote The Beta Test (2021), drawing on their experiences in independent filmmaking to craft a satirical examination of Hollywood's underbelly. Cummings, an acclaimed indie director, first gained recognition with Thunder Road (2018), which he wrote, directed, and starred in, earning the Grand Jury Award at South by Southwest for its portrayal of a police officer's emotional unraveling in a style blending dark humor and character-driven satire. He followed this with The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020), another project where he served as writer, director, and lead actor, depicting a small-town sheriff's chaotic investigation into murders with quirky, anxiety-fueled comedy that highlighted his signature approach to flawed protagonists in tense scenarios. These films established Cummings' reputation for satirical character studies that probe personal and professional breakdowns, often rooted in his observations of American institutions. PJ McCabe, a multifaceted and filmmaker, brought his background in independent cinema to the collaboration, having built a career through roles in low-budget projects and a growing presence in features. McCabe's prior work includes in various productions, but his partnership with Cummings marked a pivotal shift toward co-creative roles, including co-starring as a in The Beta Test. Their professional synergy stems from McCabe's hands-on involvement in , emphasizing practical problem-solving in resource-limited environments, which aligns with the DIY ethos of . The duo's partnership formed through a close friendship forged in the trenches of the entertainment industry, where they bonded over mutual disdain for 's pretensions and . Cummings, having early encounters that demystified the role of talent agents, and McCabe, frustrated by systemic obstacles for emerging creators, frequently discussed the absurdities of agent culture and toxic masculinity during informal sessions. This shared interest in —particularly the lies and power dynamics perpetuated by the industry—led them to co-write by verbally outlining scenes and recording them like a , a method that streamlined their collaborative process. Their decision to co-direct and co-write The Beta Test emerged as a direct response to the and related scandals, using the film as a lens to explore the anxieties of men confronting accountability in a shifting cultural landscape, inspired by real insights from agency assistants about low pay and performative arrogance.

Development and Inspiration

The development of The Beta Test began in 2019, when co-writer and co-director Jim Cummings conceived the core premise during a conversation with PJ McCabe, imagining a mysterious letter inviting an anonymous sexual encounter that spirals into a thriller akin to an episode of The Twilight Zone. This idea was inspired by real-life Hollywood sex scandals in the post-Weinstein era, including exposures of predatory behavior in the industry often referred to as "casting couch" dynamics, as well as broader concerns over anonymous invitations and the seedy underbelly of entertainment culture. Cummings and McCabe drew from personal anecdotes of agent culture, with Cummings noting his own experiences embodying the "aggro-type A-testosterone-driven prick" archetype prevalent in Hollywood deal-making. The script evolved collaboratively through an improvisational process, where the duo acted out scenes in real time, recording them like a complete with added music and to capture the film's tense, satirical tone. To ground the narrative in authenticity, they conducted research by interviewing assistants, agents, and former agents, incorporating insights into the industry's power imbalances and data privacy breaches, such as the risks of "" harvesting personal information for exploitative services. These elements shaped the story's exploration of temptation, infidelity, and the erosion of in an era of digital anonymity and . Budget planning targeted approximately $250,000, reflecting a micro-budget approach to independent filmmaking, with funding secured through on the platform WeFunder, ultimately raising $350,000 in just 12 days from supporters wary of traditional gatekeeping. Early considerations centered on the lead role of , with Cummings intentionally himself to serve as a self-insert critique of toxic masculinity, allowing him to channel and deconstruct the aggressive personas he had observed and portrayed in prior works. This decision underscored the film's intent to satirize the very industry dynamics that inspired its creation.

Narrative

Plot Summary

The Beta Test centers on Hines, a high-powered , who receives a mysterious purple envelope containing an invitation to an anonymous sexual encounter at a . This unexpected proposition arrives just weeks before his wedding to fiancée , prompting to indulge in the despite his impending commitment. The event ignites , as he becomes convinced that the invitation is part of a larger conspiracy targeting him, leading to an obsessive investigation into its origins. As Jordan delves deeper, his manipulative tendencies drive him to extreme measures, including impersonating authorities and confronting potential suspects, which further complicates his . His and erratic behavior strain his relationship with , who becomes unwittingly drawn into the unfolding chaos as Jordan's secrets threaten to surface. Professionally, the fallout escalates within his cutthroat agency environment, where deals and reputations hang in the balance amid his unraveling focus. The narrative unfolds over the tense weeks leading to the , blending with satirical jabs at Hollywood's excesses and power dynamics. Without revealing key twists, the story explores the cascading consequences of Jordan's choices in an industry rife with data surveillance, scandals, and moral ambiguity, culminating in a high-stakes examination of personal and professional repercussions.

Cast and Characters

The principal cast of The Beta Test features as Jordan Hines, a high-powered whose ambitious and manipulative nature drives the film's central conflict after receiving an anonymous invitation to an illicit encounter. Virginia Newcomb portrays Caroline Gaines, Jordan's fiancée, who serves as a grounded moral counterpoint amid his unraveling personal and professional life. PJ McCabe plays PJ Pruitt, Jordan's colleague and close friend at the agency, providing comic relief and insight into the cutthroat world of representation. Supporting roles include Olivia Grace Applegate as the Hotel & Cafe Stranger, an enigmatic client figure whose interactions with underscore the exploitative dynamics of agent-client relationships in the industry. Wilky Lau appears as Raymond Lee, a tech-savvy associate involved in the film's escalating intrigue, while Jessie Barr plays , another agency operative highlighting internal rivalries. Malin Barr rounds out key ensemble members as , contributing to the narrative's exploration of interpersonal tensions. Casting decisions emphasized authenticity and intimacy, with co-directors and PJ McCabe selecting themselves for the lead roles after weeks of freeform rehearsals to organically develop the characters' flaws and camaraderie, reflecting their real-life friendship. Cummings specifically chose to embody Jordan's unlikeable, stress-driven persona—drawing from research into real agency pressures during industry upheavals—to amplify the satirical portrayal of Hollywood's toxic masculinity and fragile egos. The use of lesser-known actors like Newcomb and Applegate further reinforced the film's indie ethos, avoiding star power to maintain a raw, unpolished critique of entertainment power structures. Character dynamics in The Beta Test spotlight Hollywood's inherent power imbalances, particularly through Jordan's domineering agent role over vulnerable clients like the , which mirrors broader industry abuses and fuels the narrative's . This setup contrasts Jordan's sleazy ambition with Caroline's stability and PJ's , illustrating how professional hierarchies exacerbate personal deceptions without resolving them.

Production

Pre-production

Pre-production for The Beta Test involved intensive research into Hollywood's talent agency culture, with co-writers and directors and PJ McCabe conducting anonymous interviews with 11 sources, including friends in the industry, to ensure authenticity in depicting the cutthroat environment. This phase, spanning late 2018 to late 2019, informed the script's satirical edge and bridged creative development to practical logistics. The film was made on a budget of approximately $200,000–$250,000. Casting was finalized with Cummings and McCabe leading the ensemble in dual acting-directing roles, leveraging their prior collaborations to cast close friends in supporting parts, such as Virginia Newcomb as Cummings' character's fiancée and Jessie Barr in a key role, emphasizing an intimate, low-budget indie approach without traditional auditions for major stars. Location scouting centered on to capture the city's glossy yet seedy underbelly, deliberately selecting unglamorous sites like nondescript offices—often the filmmakers' own workspaces—and hotels to evoke the "ugliness and cheesiness" of , drawing inspiration from noir classics while minimizing costs and logistics. The crew was assembled as a small, collaborative of about 20-25 members, primarily trusted friends and repeat collaborators from Cummings' previous projects, including Kenneth Wales for visual style and producers from Vanishing Angle, fostering a streamlined setup that prioritized efficiency over scale. Challenges during this period included navigating the industry slowdowns ahead of the , which complicated securing permits for urban shoots and sourcing props like the film's iconic pink envelope, while the refined logistics through innovative methods such as podcast-style script read-throughs to pinpoint pacing and shot needs.

Filming and Post-production

Principal photography for The Beta Test took place over 17 days in , wrapping in December 2019, with co-directors and PJ McCabe focusing on the city's unglamorous and cheesy underbelly to underscore the film's satirical take on . The shoot employed a raw aesthetic, with Kenneth Wales using camera movements to reveal character details and build tension, alternating between detached epic framing and intimate perspectives. Cummings and McCabe split directorial duties, preparing scenes through extensive rehearsals akin to staging a play, which allowed for controlled improvisational moments that amplified the satirical edge without derailing the tightly scripted . This approach, informed by pre-shoot sessions where they mixed dialogue with preliminary , ensured efficient coverage and minimized superfluous footage. Post-production proceeded remotely throughout 2020 amid , with Cummings handling editing from his home, enabling the to be completed by early despite the disruptions. further heightened tension by layering ambient noises—such as street sounds and office bustle—drawn from the prep to evoke the industry's pervasive unease. The visual style blended wide shots aestheticizing the industry's superficial grandeur and pettiness with probing close-ups of paranoia and meltdowns, contributing to the final 93-minute runtime.

Release

Premiere and Festivals

The Beta Test had its world premiere on March 1, 2021, as part of the virtual edition of the 71st Berlin International Film Festival, where it screened in the Encounters section, a competitive strand dedicated to innovative and boundary-pushing cinema. The film competed for the Encounters Award, with a jury selecting winners in categories including Best Film and Best Director, though it did not take home any prizes. Early screenings at the festival elicited praise from critics for the film's sharp satire on Hollywood power dynamics, particularly its timely exploration of infidelity and coercion in the post-#MeToo landscape. Following its debut, The Beta Test continued its festival circuit with the North American premiere at the Film Festival on June 11, 2021, in the section, where it further garnered attention for its blend of thriller elements and industry critique. The film's run extended to Beyond Fest in October 2021, marking its premiere with an introduction and Q&A session by co-director , helping to build buzz among indie horror and genre enthusiasts. These festival appearances highlighted the movie's provocative take on toxic masculinity and digital-age , resonating with audiences and industry professionals amid ongoing conversations about accountability in entertainment.

Distribution and Box Office

The Beta Test received a in the United States on November 5, 2021, distributed by , opening in 25 theaters and expanding to select cities thereafter. The film's domestic performance totaled $30,520, with an opening weekend gross of $17,841, underscoring the challenges faced by independent cinema during the ongoing recovery from the . Internationally, it earned $7,016, bringing the worldwide total to $37,536. Following its theatrical run, the film became available for streaming on starting February 4, 2022, as part of the platform's monthly lineup of independent titles. It later expanded to additional video-on-demand services, including availability through AMC+ on and other digital platforms like and Sundance Now. For international distribution, rights were acquired by buyers in the , , and shortly after its festival premiere, with an early release in the UK on October 15, 2021. The rollout emphasized video-on-demand and limited theatrical screenings in select European and North American markets, aligning with the film's profile and IFC's strategy for targeted global reach.

Reception

Critical Response

The Beta Test received widespread critical acclaim for its satirical take on , earning a 92% approval rating on based on 87 reviews, with the site's consensus describing it as "a darkly amusing that discomfits as it entertains" and praising its "savage flair" in satirizing the industry. On , the film holds a score of 72 out of 100 from 18 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews. Critics frequently lauded ' lead performance as the unhinged Jordan, highlighting his ability to capture the character's manic energy and moral unraveling through a blend of frantic physicality and improvised dialogue. The film's satirical bite targeting Hollywood's power dynamics and sexual underbelly was another common point of praise, with reviewers appreciating how it exposes the cravenness of deal-making through sharp, profane language. Many also commended the successful fusion of and elements, creating an uncomfortable yet engaging tone that mirrors the protagonist's . Despite the positive reception, some critics noted weaknesses, including pacing issues in the third act that disrupt the narrative flow and leave certain satirical points underdeveloped. Others pointed to an occasional over-reliance on , which can result in uneven execution and moments of jerkiness that obscure the film's intentions. In a 3/4-star review for , praised the film's depiction of "phony-macho culture" and its keen ear for how industry jargon reveals underlying cravenness, calling Cummings' performance "particularly spectacular." The New York Times' Jeannette Catsoulis described it as an "unruly " of phoniness, though she critiqued its lack of cohesive flow. Variety's highlighted its "sharp" critique of industry corruption, framing it as a "furtive " that blends tropes with libidinous risks.

Accolades

The Beta Test received several nominations at international film festivals, highlighting its recognition within independent cinema circles. At the 2021 , the film was nominated for the , with directors and PJ McCabe acknowledged for their work. Similarly, it earned a nomination for the in the Best Graveyard Shift Feature category at the 2021 . Additional festival nods included a Best Feature nomination at the 2021 and participation in the Crossovers competition at the (FEFFS), where it was screened but did not win. The film premiered at the 2021 Film Festival but did not receive jury awards there. It was also selected for the 2021 without winning accolades. The film did not secure major guild or Academy Award nominations, despite being eligible for the in categories such as Best Picture. However, it garnered praise in communities for its , contributing to its nomination for Best Director at the 2022 Award This! awards, though it did not win. As of November 2025, no significant new accolades have been awarded.

Analysis and Legacy

Themes

The Beta Test explores toxic masculinity through the character of Jordan Hines, a whose entitled behavior and manipulative tactics exemplify the industry's entrenched power imbalances, particularly in the wake of the . Jordan's arc serves as a critique of aggressive, self-serving professionals who exploit their positions to dominate subordinates and clients, often masking insecurity with performative bravado. For instance, his public berating of colleagues and obsequious flattery toward celebrities highlight a fragile ego reliant on hierarchical dominance, drawing parallels to the broader reckoning with and abuse in . This portrayal underscores how such dynamics perpetuate a culture where personal failings are concealed behind professional facades, leading to inevitable self-destruction when exposed. The film also delves into surveillance and data exploitation, using the mysterious pink envelope as a symbol of invasive digital monitoring and the erosion of privacy in an era of pervasive data collection. This plot device represents how personal indiscretions can be weaponized through leaked information, reflecting real-world concerns about algorithmic tracking and anonymous exposures that commodify individuals' lives. Jordan's frantic investigation into the envelope's origins amplifies the terror of unseen forces profiting from intimate vulnerabilities, critiquing how technology enables a shadowy economy of blackmail and control within elite circles. Such motifs resonate with contemporary anxieties over data breaches and the loss of autonomy in a hyper-connected society. Central to the narrative is the tension between image and reality, satirizing the curated personas that define Hollywood's entertainment ecosystem. Jordan meticulously crafts an outward image of charm and competence—through rehearsed enthusiasm in client meetings and a polished engagement to his fiancée—yet his reveals profound hypocrisies beneath this veneer. The film exposes how figures prioritize superficial over authentic relationships, with the threat of revelation forcing a confrontation between fabricated success and personal moral bankruptcy. This theme critiques the performative nature of and deal-making, where public perception often overrides ethical integrity. Finally, The Beta Test examines and through Jordan's spiraling descent, mirroring the entertainment industry's collective dread of reputational ruin in the age. As the envelope's implications unfold, Jordan's mounting suspicion of colleagues and strangers embodies a broader fear of swift public shaming and professional , akin to the waves following high-profile scandals. His erratic behavior, culminating in desperate attempts to preempt exposure, illustrates how the anticipation of cancellation can unravel even the most insulated figures, transforming personal into a commentary on societal judgment mechanisms.

Cultural Impact

The Beta Test has contributed to the revival of thrillers in the by delving into themes of modern , much like Karyn Kusama's The Invitation (2015), which similarly dissects interpersonal distrust in contemporary settings. The film's portrayal of a agent's descent into conspiracy-fueled anxiety amid digital entanglements positions it as a successor in this subgenre, emphasizing psychological tension over traditional horror tropes. The movie sparked widespread media discussions on the lingering effects of the #MeToo movement and concerns over tech privacy in , particularly in the wake of post-2021 industry scandals involving imbalances and data exploitation. Critics highlighted its satirical take on post-#MeToo male panic, where the protagonist's unravels against a backdrop of corporate and anonymous encounters. It explicitly conjoins the #MeToo era's accountability demands with the erosion of personal privacy through digital tracking, questioning whether true exists in an age of consumerism. As a #MeToo-inspired , it critiques the performative masculinity that persisted in even after high-profile reckonings. Within Jim Cummings' filmography, stands as a pivotal work, blending satirical horror-comedy with his signature anxious humor and DIY ethos, further solidifying his reputation as an innovative indie director. Following successes like Thunder Road (2018) and (2020), it exemplifies his multi-hyphenate approach—writing, directing, starring, and editing—to challenge Hollywood's status quo, inspiring younger filmmakers to pursue low-budget, auteur-driven projects. His emphasis on independent distribution and production alternatives has encouraged emerging talents to prioritize creative control over studio reliance. As of 2025, the film is available for streaming on platforms such as AMC+ and , and for rent on Amazon Video, contributing to its niche audience. The narrative's brief nods to themes have resonated in broader discourses on digital ethics, enhancing its status as a touchstone for satirical examinations of modern life.

References

  1. [1]
    The Beta Test | Official Website | November 05 2021
    A married Hollywood agent becomes ensnared in a sinister world of lying, murder and infidelity. ; Directed by. Jim Cummings PJ McCabe ; Written by. Jim Cummings
  2. [2]
    The Beta Test (2021) - IMDb
    Rating 6.1/10 (7,063) A married Hollywood agent receives a mysterious letter for an anonymous sexual encounter and becomes ensnared in a sinister world of lying, murder and ...User reviews · Parents guide · Release info · Trivia
  3. [3]
    The Beta Test | Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 92% (87) A married Hollywood agent receives a mysterious letter for an anonymous sexual encounter and becomes ensnared in a sinister world of lying, murder and ...
  4. [4]
    The Beta Test movie review & film summary (2021) | Roger Ebert
    Rating 3/4 · Review by Matt Zoller SeitzNov 5, 2021 · A remorseless, manipulative Hollywood agent working for a CAA-like behemoth who gets ensnared in a conspiracy in the months leading up to his scheduled wedding.
  5. [5]
    'The Beta Test': Film Review | Fantastic Fest 2021
    Sep 29, 2021 · Actor-filmmaker Jim Cummings ('Thunder Road') plays a Hollywood agent whose relationship (and sanity) is threatened by a mysterious invitation.Missing: reception | Show results with:reception
  6. [6]
    The Beta Test Reviews - Metacritic
    Rating 72% (18) Overall, Cummings and McCabe's film touches a raw nerve with sharp, funny, awkwardly prickly provocation. By Rodrigo Perez FULL REVIEW.Missing: reception | Show results with:reception<|control11|><|separator|>
  7. [7]
    Awards - The Beta Test (2021) - IMDb
    The Beta Test ; Berlin International Film Festival · Encounters Award ; Nashville Film Festival · Grand Jury Prize. Best Graveyard Shift Feature ; Festival Européen ...Missing: reception | Show results with:reception
  8. [8]
    https://theplaylist.net/thunder-road-review-20181011/
  9. [9]
    https://theplaylist.net/wolf-of-snow-hollow-jim-cummings-review-20201007/
  10. [10]
    The Beta Test: an Interview with Jim Cummings & PJ McCabe
    STARBURST speaks with co-directors Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe about The Beta Test, their hatred of Hollywood, and the future of film.Missing: partnership #metoo
  11. [11]
    'The Beta Test' Interview: Jim Cummings And PJ McCabe
    Oct 19, 2021 · Co-written and co-directed by collaborator and close friend PJ McCabe (who also stars), the film is a taut, high-energy blend of horror, social ...Missing: #metoo
  12. [12]
    'The Beta Test': Jim Cummings & PJ McCabe Talk Their Dark ...
    Dec 24, 2021 · Writers, directors and co-stars Jim Cummings & PJ McCabe talk about their latest film, the dark, #MeToo-inspired satire, "The Beta Test."Missing: background partnership<|control11|><|separator|>
  13. [13]
    How 'Chinatown' Inspired Jim Cummings' And P.J. McCabe's Thriller ...
    Nov 23, 2021 · IFC Films. The Beta Test is a stunning dark comedy thriller written and directed by Jim Cummings and P.J. McCabe. The film stars Cummings as ...
  14. [14]
    The Beta Test – An interview with co-directors Jim Cummings & PJ ...
    Nov 8, 2021 · NL: The Beta Test is part Hollywood satire, part erotic-conspiracy thriller. What was the inspiration behind the idea and how did it develop?
  15. [15]
    Jim Cummings | Metal Magazine
    I would love to talk about your most recent feature film The Beta Test. How did the idea about it evolve and what is the inspiration behind it? I had the ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  16. [16]
    'The Beta Test' Hyphenate Jim Cummings on DIY Filmmaking and ...
    Jun 10, 2021 · For “The Beta Test,” Cummings actually pursued IFC for distribution, noting that all his favorite movies were released by the company.
  17. [17]
    The Beta Test (2021) | Movie Review
    Rating 3/4 · Review by Brian EggertNov 6, 2021 · All of these hangups come to a head when, early in The Beta Test, Jordan receives an anonymous invitation in a purple envelope in his apartment ...Missing: pink | Show results with:pink
  18. [18]
    The Beta Test (2021) - Plot - IMDb
    A married Hollywood agent receives a mysterious letter for an anonymous sexual encounter and becomes ensnared in a sinister world of lying, murder and ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  19. [19]
    The Beta Test | Cast and Crew - Rotten Tomatoes
    Discover the cast and crew of The Beta Test on Rotten Tomatoes. See actors, directors, and more behind the scenes. Explore now!
  20. [20]
    The Beta Test (2021) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Directed by Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe, written by Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe. Cast includes Jim Cummings, Jordan Hines, and Virginia Newcomb.
  21. [21]
    Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe discuss bringing 'The Beta Test' to life
    Oct 15, 2021 · How did you prepare for playing the characters, what decisions did you make? Jordan, I noticed, has a lot of teeth on show. PJM: Yeah, Jim's a ...
  22. [22]
    Shouting in Parking Lots: Jim Cummings and P.J. McCabe on The ...
    Nov 2, 2021 · We shot “Thunder Road” in 14 days. We shot “The Wolf of Snow Hollow” in 23 days. This was in between. It's still a sprint. When you get the shot ...<|separator|>
  23. [23]
    Jim Cummings & PJ McCabe Interview: The Beta Test - Screen Rant
    Nov 5, 2021 · The Beta Test co-writers, co-directors, and co-stars Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe discuss their thriller, satirizing Hollywood, and more.
  24. [24]
    Jim Cummings: Filmmakers Must Stop Working with Agencies
    Nov 4, 2021 · "The Beta Test" director explains why filmmakers should retain control of their work.<|control11|><|separator|>
  25. [25]
    Vanishing Angle to Release Jim Cummings Thriller 'The Beta Test'
    Jun 24, 2020 · Production company Vanishing Angle has set "The Beta Test," a thriller from writer-director Jim Cummings, as its next film.
  26. [26]
    The Beta Test | 2021 Tribeca Festival
    After indulging in a mysterious, toe-curling sexual encounter, a Hollywood talent agent frantically struggles to keep his career, his relationship, ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  27. [27]
    The Beta Test - Interview With the Filmmakers, Jim Cummings and ...
    Aug 2, 2023 · The Beta Test was an unlikely stew of comedy, erotic thriller and satire. The third film from Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe (writing, directing, starring, editing)
  28. [28]
    Let's talk with Jim Cummings about the upcoming The Beta test
    Sep 10, 2021 · The Beta Test is a 2021 American-British horror-thriller film written by, directed by and starring Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe.Missing: pre- casting crew
  29. [29]
    The Beta Test - ‎Apple TV
    IFC Films; Released: 2021; Run Time: 1 hr 33 min; Rated: Unrated; Regions of Origin: United States, United Kingdom, Canada: © 2021 Purple Envelope LLC.
  30. [30]
    'The Beta Test' Review: A Hollywood Agent in an Erotic Twilight Zone
    Mar 6, 2021 · ... The Beta Test” he plays an entitled alpha dick who gets the grand temptation he deserves. His Jordan Hines is one of the star sharks at a ...Missing: character descriptions<|separator|>
  31. [31]
    The Beta Test - | Berlinale |
    Written and directed by Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe, The Beta Test is a horror film that blends incendiary comedy with brutal political commentary.
  32. [32]
    Berlinale reveals Panorama, Encounters titles for 2021 edition | News
    Feb 10, 2021 · Berlinale reveals Panorama, Encounters titles for 2021 edition ; The Berlin International Film Festival has unveiled the features that will ...
  33. [33]
    2021 Films - Beyond Fest
    THE BETA TEST. 7:00pm Shudder Theatre at Los Feliz 3 DCP. West Coast Premiere Introduction and Q&A with Jim Cummings! Details. 6 October. COLLATERAL + THIEF. 7 ...
  34. [34]
    'The Beta Test': Jim Cummings Tackles Douchebag Hollywood ...
    Jun 13, 2021 · 'The Beta Test': Jim Cummings Tackles Douchebag Hollywood Agents In An Anxiety Horror About Being Canceled [Tribeca Review]. Rodrigo Perez. By ...Missing: reactions | Show results with:reactions
  35. [35]
    The Beta Test (2021) - Box Office Mojo
    Domestic DistributorIFC Films See full company information ; Domestic Opening$17,841 ; Earliest Release DateOctober 15, 2021 (United Kingdom) ; Running Time1 hr 33 ...Missing: distribution | Show results with:distribution
  36. [36]
    Best Movies New to Streaming in February 2022 - Variety
    Feb 4, 2022 · Variety's Owen Gleiberman described “The Beta Test” as “a film-world satire, an erotic thriller and a meditation on identity” in his review ...
  37. [37]
    The Beta Test (2021): Where to Watch and Stream Online | Reelgood
    Rating 62% (88) Currently you are able to watch The Beta Test streaming on Roku, AMC+ (Via Prime Video), Kanopy, Sundance Now, Sundance Now (Via Prime Video), Philo, AMC+, ...Missing: film international distribution
  38. [38]
    Buyers in UK, France, Canada acquire Berlin Encounters selection ...
    Mar 24, 2021 · Buyers in the UK, France and Canada have acquired rights to Jim Cummings' recent Berlin Encounters selection The Beta Test.Missing: Berlinale | Show results with:Berlinale
  39. [39]
    Jim Cummings' 'The Beta Test' Acquired by IFC Films - TheWrap
    Mar 22, 2021 · IFC will distribute the film theatrically, on digital platforms and on demand this fall. “The Beta Test” follows an enraged Hollywood agent who ...
  40. [40]
    'The Beta Test' review: Jim Cummings skewers Hollywood
    Nov 4, 2021 · Filmmaker Jim Cummings stars in "The Beta Test," a comedic thriller about a Hollywood agent who takes a walk on the wild side.
  41. [41]
    'The Beta Test' Review: Paranoia in Hollywood - The New York Times
    Nov 4, 2021 · Jim Cummings stars as a phony talent agent who agrees to an anonymous sexual encounter in this unruly satire.Missing: background | Show results with:background
  42. [42]
    https://www.thefilmstage.com/tribeca-review-the-beta-test-works-better-as-comedic-commentary-than-thriller/
  43. [43]
    Archives 2021 - FEFFS
    Crossovers competition. John and the Hole · Violation · The Beta Test · The Oak Room · Bloody Oranges · Gatecrash · Europa · Chronology. Animated Films ...
  44. [44]
    [PDF] REMINDER LIST OF PRODUCTIONS ELIGIBLE FOR THE 94TH ...
    THE BETA TEST. Jim Cummings. Virginia Newcomb. PJ McCabe. ——. ——. BLACK WIDOW. David Harbour. Scarlett Johansson. Ray Winstone. Florence Pugh. O-T Fagbenle.
  45. [45]
    AWARD THIS! 2022 nominees & winners!
    Award This! Indie Movie of the Year. The Beta Test · Borrelia Borealis · The Changed · Delicate State · Donny's Bar Mitzvah (WINNER!) Night At The Eagle Inn.
  46. [46]
    The 80+ Best Indie Thrillers, Ranked - Movies - Ranker
    This list contains information on the best indie thriller movies, ranked from best to worst by user votes. ... The Beta Test. Jim Cummings, PJ McCabe, Virginia ...
  47. [47]
    The Beta Test review – shiny satire of Tinseltown culture is a study in ...
    Oct 11, 2021 · Indie director Jim Cummings and co-star PJ McCabe have made a scornful part-thriller about an unctuous agent in thrall to the system.Missing: Berlinale | Show results with:Berlinale<|separator|>
  48. [48]
    EIFF 2021: 'The Beta Test' review - Entertainment Focus
    Aug 23, 2021 · Co-written and co-directed with PJ McCabe, the film is a paranoid comedic thriller, tapping into the crippling fears and anxieties of modern ...
  49. [49]
    The Beta Test Film Review: Indie Satire Takes Sharp Aim at Hollywood
    Nov 3, 2021 · 'The Beta Test' Film Review: Indie Satire Takes Sharp Aim at Hollywood. PJ McCabe and Jim Cummings create a tense, paranoid, and darkly funny ...Missing: scandals | Show results with:scandals
  50. [50]
    No yes man, stuffed suit, or petty tyrant is safe in the Hollywood ...
    No yes man, stuffed suit, or petty tyrant is safe in the Hollywood satire The Beta Test. Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe put a comedic twist on post ...Missing: scandals tech
  51. [51]
    Review: The Beta Test Is a Livewire Thriller-Slash-Parable About ...
    Rating 3/4 · Review by Chuck BowenNov 2, 2021 · Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe's The Beta Test conjoins two contemporary issues—the Me Too movement and the access we unwittingly grant to companies ...
  52. [52]
    Jim Cummings Filmmaker: Innovative Indie Director & Actor
    Oct 31, 2025 · He isn't confined to a single genre; instead, he often blends elements of drama, horror, comedy, and psychological thriller to create uniquely ...
  53. [53]
    Independent Filmmaker Jim Cummings On How ... - Forbes
    Jan 4, 2019 · Thunder Road is a comedy-drama that's shot in one continuous take. It tells the story of an earnest but misdirected police officer having one of ...
  54. [54]
    The Beta Test streaming: where to watch online? - JustWatch
    Rating 61% (356) Sep 14, 2021 · Currently you are able to watch "The Beta Test" streaming on AMC Plus Apple TV Channel , AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+, Philo.
  55. [55]
    'The Beta Test'—An Enjoyable But Convoluted Satire Of Modern ...
    Oct 12, 2021 · Indie cinema's jack-of-all-trades filmmaker Jim Cummings returns with his third and most ambitious feature yet: an erotic thriller that takes ...Missing: 2020s analysis
  56. [56]
    Jim Cummings Plays Toxic Hollywood Agent in 'The Beta Test' Trailer
    only to face ...Missing: reactions | Show results with:reactions