Watch Series 7: The Contenders

Series 7: The Contenders is a 2001 satirical black comedy film that takes place in a dystopian near-future America where there are no laws prohibiting networks from televising deadly gladiatorial contests. The film is shot entirely in the form of reality TV, with the contestants carrying cameras and the crew filming their every move.

The film follows six contestants, each of them selected by random lottery for a deadly game show called The Contenders. The rules of the game are simple: six contestants are randomly selected, and they must compete with each other until only one of them is left standing. The winner of the contest receives a year's worth of riches and freedom. However, the losers are not only dead, but also forgotten.

The film's main protagonist is a heavily pregnant working-class woman named Dawn (Brooke Smith), who has little choice but to participate in the game in order to provide for her unborn child. Over the course of the contest, Dawn is forced to face off against five other opponents, most of whom are willing to do whatever it takes to win, including playing dirty and killing others.

Dawn's first opponent is a middle-aged nurse named Connie (Marylouise Burke), who is unhappy with her mundane life and sees the game show as an opportunity for adventure. At first, Connie seems harmless enough, but as the game drags on, she begins to reveal her dark side.

The other contenders include a sadistic cop named Franklin (Mark Woodbury), a religious fanatic named Tony (Richard Venture), an aging alcoholic named Lindsay (Donna Hanover), and a young mother named Terry (Traci Lords). Each character is well-developed, and the actors all give strong performances that convey their distinct personalities.

Throughout the film, the audience gets a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes workings of the game. The producers push for more violence and drama, controlling the contestants' every move and manipulating the narrative to create more tension. The viewers become invested in the characters, with some rooting for their favorites and others against them.

The film does an excellent job of satirizing the culture of reality TV and the obsession with fame and fortune. It provides a bleak commentary on the dark side of human nature and the lengths people will go to in order to survive and win. The film's use of handheld camera work adds to its gritty, realistic tone, and the sound design is excellent, creating tension and suspense throughout.

Overall, Series 7: The Contenders is a thought-provoking and unsettling film that will leave audiences questioning the state of modern society and the ethics of reality television. Its strong cast and biting satire make it a must-see for fans of dark humor and dystopian stories.