CHICAGO– Creating a complex story and delivering it in a spectacular way was the accomplishment of two self-described “best friends.” Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe are the co-writers, directors and friends of the new film “The Beta Test” – releasing November 5th, 2021 – a thriller that takes on the darker side of human motivations.
 Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
Jim Cummings is also featured as Jordan, a wannabe Hollywood agent-type and player who is constantly striking out in his various pitches. His life takes a turn when he receives a mysterious invitation for a no-strings-attached sexual encounter, six weeks before his marriage to Caroline (Virginia Newcombe). His decision to proceed is the impetus for his future and the story’s direction. This is a maniacal festival of truth, as Jordan’s inability to cover up his sins devolve into an ever-deepening spiral. Cummings is great as a pretty boy whose darkness is a shadow over all lives he encounters, including his best friend PJ (PJ McCabe, who has key scenes as the “moral center” of the film).
Jim Cummings (left) and PJ McCabe of ‘The Beta Test’
Photo credit: IFC Films
“The Beta Test” is Jim Cummings third film as director, after the well-received “The Wolf of Snow Hollow” and “Thunder Road” (he is a featured actor in both). He also had a role in the recent “Halloween Kills.” PJ McCabe is an actor and producer, and is exec producing the upcoming film “The Yeti.”
In an interview via Zoom, co-writers/directors and actors Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe describe their journey in creating the film “The Beta Test,” in a talk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com …
 | By PATRICK McDONALD |