Influencer Film Review: A Thriller That Makes You Sympathise with Social Media Stars
In a surprising twist for the genre, the fun thriller Influencer achieves the seemingly impossible: it makes you feel sorry for influencers. Yes, really. This scrappy film, directed by Kurtis David Harder, takes a sharp elevator pitch—a charismatic woman murders influencers and hijacks their social media accounts—and transforms it into something far smarter and more entertaining than expected. With a modest budget and a standout lead performance, Influencer proves to be a very well-oiled machine of empathy, as film critic Roger Ebert might have praised.
Plot Overview: A Tom Ripley for the Instagram Generation
The film opens with Madison, played by Emily Tennant, an influencer on a working holiday in Thailand. She posts smiley selfies and promotes skincare products while barely leaving her hotel, espousing the virtues of travel to her followers. Her voiceover coos about experiencing Asia away from her comfort zone, yet we see her eating a burger alone and moping over her manager-boyfriend, Ryan, portrayed by Rory J Saper. This lonely, empty life is starkly contrasted when Madison meets CW, played by Cassandra Naud, at the hotel bar.
CW is magnetic and confident, a seasoned solo traveller who encourages Madison to break free from her phone and enjoy the trip. However, things take a dark turn when Madison's passport goes missing, she breaks up with Ryan, and CW leads her to a remote island, leaving her drugged on the beach to die. CW coldly questions Madison's worth, asking, "You sell products to little girls. Do you really think they will come looking for you?" before stealing her phone and identity. The opening credits roll at 26 minutes, signalling that the story is just beginning.
Cassandra Naud's Compelling Performance
Cassandra Naud's portrayal of CW has been described as a Tom Ripley for the Instagram generation, stepping into the digital lives of others and using AI to alter her face and voice to maintain their online presence. While this comparison is apt, it's Naud's performance that makes the film so watchable and compelling. In a just world, this role could mark the start of a great career for her, especially with her upcoming casting in Mike Flanagan's remake of Carrie.
The film's co-writers, Harder and Tesh Guttikonda, wisely avoid giving CW a detailed backstory. She acts because she can, and the film benefits from this lack of convoluted explanation. The entertainment stems from her convincing villainy and her ability to exploit the shallow world of social media influencers. Naud's facial birthmark is subtly incorporated into the character; when Ryan tells her she is "unique" and should become an influencer herself, her dead-eyed silence speaks volumes, hinting at a history of loaded compliments.
Expanding the Narrative and Streaming Details
As CW posts as Madison and targets a new influencer, Jessica, played by Sara Canning, in Bangkok, her plans are disrupted by Ryan's sudden arrival, tracking Madison's location via Instagram. Influencer is an entertainingly cynical and nasty 90-minute thrill ride that resonated with audiences, leading to a sequel titled Influencers. This follow-up sees CW unleashed on an "incel" streamer and his conservative influencer girlfriend in Bali, offering a funnier but equally gripping experience, though it doesn't manage to evoke empathy for incels.
Both films are available for streaming, with Influencer and Influencers on Shudder via Prime Video in Australia, the US, and the UK. Additionally, Influencer is on Netflix in the US. For viewers seeking more streaming recommendations, this thriller offers a unique blend of horror and social commentary that's well worth the watch.
