Influencer (2023) spoiler free review
Be careful who you follow. Directed by Kurtis David Harder (V/H/S/94) and co written by Harder and Tesh Guttikonda (Mom vs Machine) Influencer is a horror mystery triller released at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival on October 16, 2022. The streaming service Shudder acquired the distribution rights releasing it on May 26, 2023. It’s now available for streaming on Shudder, and AMC+.
While struggling on a solo backpacking trip in Thailand, social media influencer Madison meets CW, who travels with ease and shows her a more uninhibited way of living, but CW’s interest in her takes a darker turn.
Film synopsis
The cast includes Emily Tennant as Madison, Rory J. Saper as Ryan, Cassandra Naud as CW, Justin Sams as Jay, Paul Spurrier as Rupert, and Sara Canning as Jessica.
My opinion
Influencer brings to light how easy is to taker over someone’s else identity online. The film takes us along Madison’s not-so perfect vacations in Thailand showing how easy is to have a fake life and experiences online. The social commentary about influencer’s culture is present throughout the film showing the two sides of the same coin. In one side we have Madison, who’s influencer life covers her troubled relationship and unhappiness, and on the other side is CW, who craves what Madison has. This a common behavior now days, were we see successful influencers who lie about their life and others that in order to get there will do whatever is necessary no matter the cost.
As an actress Cassandra Naud as CW is able to bring the emotions required for the part. Its easy to fall into her lie at first and once she reveals herself it feels like a completely different person. Her true intentions are never clear, but they can be interpreted as her desire to feel less lonely and an easy life. Influencer works more as a triller with some horror elements and a small amount of blood but it still and enjoyable one. The gorgeous locations add to the cinematography making the film visually appealing as well. The plot twists and ending can turn predictable but it still an entertaining and tense triller.