Step into the twisted but beautiful reality of Influencer, where social media’s shiny veneer is peeled back to expose the dark secrets lurking beneath. Directed by Kurtis David Harder, with a wickedly clever script co-written with Tesh Guttikonda, this thrilling ride takes us from idyllic Thailand landscapes to the unnerving depths of an influencer’s world.
“[Influencer] constantly subverts expectations with a plot that darts in unforeseen directions. “
Madison (Emily Tennant), a popular social media influencer, seems to have it all as she flaunts her envy-inducing life on Instagram. However, her trip to Thailand turns out to be far from glamorous. That is until she crosses paths with CW (Cassandra Naud), an enigmatic traveler who offers her a taste of authenticity and companionship during a long-distance break-up. As they share local experiences and delve into the stark contrasts between Madison’s virtual existence and CW’s offline freedom, the story takes an unexpected turn. CW leads Madison to a deserted island, completely off the grid, where the real nightmare begins.
Influencer boasts an unforgettable setting, Prepare to be captivated by the film’s breathtaking backdrop—Thailand. Amidst the height of the pandemic, Harder and crew had unprecedented access to expansive locations, and it adds incredible value to this independent flick. They don’t put their location to waste either, with postcard-perfect cinematography by David Schuurman. Each frame showcases the country’s natural beauty with absolute polish, seamlessly intertwining with the film’s haunting ambiance.
Cassandra Naud steals the show as CW, the mysterious companion who ignites curiosity and suspicion in equal measure. Her portrayal is magnetic, and audiences will never quite be able to get a read on her. Sara Canning and Emily Tennant deliver convincing performances as fellow travel influencers, providing insight into the contradictions of their online personas.
Influencer is riddled with twists and turns. It constantly subverts expectations with a plot that darts in unforeseen directions. The film’s subdued and mellow vibe maintains a consistent tone, creating an unsettling atmosphere that keeps viewers immersed. With each twist, the story challenges assumptions, keeping ahead of audiences until the shocking finale.
While Influencer utilizes social media as a driving force for its thrilling plot, some may desire a deeper dive into the influencer lifestyle. The film provides glimpses of Madison’s carefully crafted content, but the exploration of fan interactions and the complexities of online personas feels somewhat restrained. Perhaps this omission is intentional, shedding light on the shallowness that often lies beneath the curated façade.
“Influencer is an arresting thriller that strips away the glamour of social media…”
Influencer is an arresting thriller that strips away the glamour of social media, delving into the sinister underbelly of the influencer phenomenon. The film challenges our perception of authenticity in a world dominated by filters and hashtags. Supported by stunning visuals, standout performances by Cassandra Naud, Sara Canning, and Emily Tennant, Influencer will leave audiences questioning the true cost of online fame. Prepare for a reality check you won’t soon forget.
Influencer streams on Shudder and AMC+ May 26th. Let us know your thoughts on the flick over on Twitter, or start a conversation with the Fiends over in the Nightmare on Film Street Discord!
