Doom Scroll is a short mockumentary that digs into the absurdity of an Instagram comment thread spiraling out of control. Through a series of blunt, revealing interviews, it exposes the real people behind the usernames—their motivations, insecurities, and the strange satisfaction that comes from trading jabs with strangers online. The film unpacks how minor disagreements explode into public spectacles and how social media turns personal grievances into performances for an audience. At its core, Doom Scroll is a reflection of our digital age, asking why we can’t look away, why we feel the need to jump in, and what all this chaos says about who we are on and off the screen.
Director Statement: There are few genres I love more than satirical mockumentaries, and few things I find more absurd and hypocritical than the way people behave on social media. Doom Scroll gave me the perfect chance to highlight our collective vices through humor and hold a funhouse mirror up to the way we interact online.
I grew up with the internet. I was part of the first generation to use it as a space to connect with others, but over time, I’ve watched it morph into something far less healthy. What was once a tool for building community has become a beast that often divides us, with the negatives now outweighing the positives. Social media, in particular, seems to bring out the worst in us—thanks in no small part to algorithms that thrive on conflict and controversy. These days, people will fight over anything, no matter how trivial.
The inspiration for Doom Scroll came from moments when I’d stumble across a thread so ludicrous that it felt like a satire of itself. The truth is, many of these exchanges already resemble a straight documentary—which makes mocking them all the more irresistible.
Biography
Chantal has spent her career at the crossroads of film, television, and music. She began her journey at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, studying film as a teenager, before joining a band, Morningwood, and dedicating the next two decades to touring and creating music for film and television. Along the way, she expanded her creative repertoire, taking on roles as an actor (Judd Apatow’s Love), producer, and writer, all while rediscovering her passion for directing.
She has since earned a film certificate from Yoobee Colleges and is currently pursuing an MA in Screenwriting. Chantal is also the musical director and co-creator of a funded TV show, now in preproduction. Her multidisciplinary background and love of storytelling continue to fuel her dynamic contributions to the screen.