Influencers (2025) Spoiler Free Review
Influencers (2025), written and directed by Kurtis David Harder, returns to the unsettling world of social media toxicity, obsession, and identity manipulation introduced in Influencer (2022). Cassandra Naud reprises her role as CW, bringing back the chilling charm and razor-sharp unpredictability that made the first film such an unnerving surprise. This time, she’s joined by Georgina Campbell, Lisa Delamar, Jonathan Whitesell, Veronica Long, and Dylan Playfair in a sequel that, despite not being strictly necessary, manages to justify its existence with a fresh angle and a nastier bite.
In the picturesque landscapes of Southern France, a young woman’s chilling fascination with murder and identity theft sends her life into a whirlwind of chaos.
Film synopsis
Set against the beautiful, sun-soaked landscapes of southern France, the film follows CW and her new girlfriend Diane as they celebrate their first anniversary. Their trip takes a sour turn when they’re bumped from their hotel room in favor of a popular British influencer, Charlotte, whose invasive friendliness begins to unravel CW’s carefully curated life. What unfolds is a tense descent into obsession, manipulation, and identity theft, as CW once again finds herself unable to resist the thrill of control.
One of the most impressive accomplishments of Influencers is how it repurposes and elevates the strongest elements from the original. Harder doesn’t try to outdo the first film with bigger twists or louder shocks; instead, he pushes deeper into the psychology of CW, portraying her not just as a chameleon-like killer but as a mastermind manipulator who refuses to stop, no matter the cost. The film subtly expands a story that once felt complete, proving that there was still room to explore CW’s psyche and the dark world she inhabits.
The sequel also takes a more ambitious narrative approach. Rather than following a strictly linear structure, the film weaves between past, present, and glimpses of the future. This creates a more layered viewing experience, inviting the audience to piece together the timeline as CW’s motives and schemes unfold. It’s a storytelling choice that keeps the film engaging and gives it a slightly more artistic edge than the first.
Visually, Influencers is sleek and atmospheric. The cinematography is polished, taking full advantage of the coastal vistas and narrow French alleyways that naturally lend themselves to suspense. The performances are strong across the board with Cassandra Naud once again delivering a magnetic, unsettling portrayal that steals every scene she’s in.
The film maintains the satirical edge of its predecessor, poking at influencer culture with just the right amount of dark humor. Themes of stalking, parasocial obsession, self-curation, and performative authenticity are woven into the thriller framework, adding depth without ever overshadowing the genre elements.
If the film has one drawback, it’s pacing. The middle act drags longer than necessary, making the story feel slightly stretched. A tighter edit could have heightened the tension and improved the overall rhythm. Still, Influencers remains an enjoyable and effective thriller—stylish, darkly fun, and surprisingly successful at expanding a story that seemed neatly concluded. It’s as good as the first one, and for fans of psychological thrillers, it’s definitely worth the watch.
Influencers (2025) arrives to Shudder this Friday December 12, 2025.