Well, it seems as though the existence of the self-absorbed, socially inept social media star has remained prolific for long enough that there’s finally a horror movie about it. Netflix‘s modern take on the psychological thriller, Influencer, captures Madison, played by Emily Tennant, on a seemingly glamorous but albeit rather lonely trip to Thailand. Along the way, after a series of unfortunate events regarding her elusive and noncommittal boyfriend, Madison tags along with a fellow backpacker, CW, played by Cassandra Naud. Rapidly, things are much darker and less “instagramable” than Madison would’ve hoped.
To illicit true unease from an audience is no easy feat. Of course, films often capture cheap fear through jump scares and other kitschy tropes, which, to be frank, could be reasonably expected from a modern low-budget thriller. Kurtis David Harder‘s Influencer, on the other hand, has a skillful methodology in its evocative and twisty plot. While yes, Madison as a character is objectively cringe-worthy, the way in which the story develops around her makes for a truly thrilling watch, or perhaps at times hate-watch.
Harder’s ‘Influencer’ Expertly Captures Deceptive Beauty
Madison meets CW in a resort bar. Or rather, Madison meets a natively-British nomad stumbling over an attempt to hit her at a resort bar, and CW swoops in to rescue her. She’s initially introduced as not only a protector but also a grounding emotional counterpart, bringing the ever-floaty Madison back down to earth. It’s revealed as they share an intimate walk that initially this trip was supposed to be for Madison and her boyfriend, thus making the solo trip a bit more dismal than it may appear. CW invites her on a hike, for reasons that aren’t quite clear, and while Madison films a cringe-worthy vlog at the mountain’s peak, it’s clear CW has a repulsion to those living on the grid. This seed seems to grow much deeper as the film moves forward. Madison doesn’t do anything without posting it, and CW evidently hates it.
After a wonderful night of drinking, eating, and more drinking, Madison returns home to her room, clearly ransacked, and her passport stolen. Once again, with perfect timing, CW takes suspiciously good care of her, offering her food, a place to stay, and a special surprise the following morning. Madison is now stuck in Thailand, and CW is all-powerful. She knows the area, she’s much more street-savvy, and seems to have a growing resentment toward Madison despite the inauthentic care she’s providing again and again. There’s something unmistakably bubbling underneath this. However, with such a gorgeous landscape and a seemingly unwavering hand of help, it’s difficult to put one’s finger on what exactly. Evidently, Harder has a certain flair in his directorial work, making this thriller incredibly unique and gripping.
In a scene that in another film would have registered as half-hazardously thrown together, Influencer excels in its attempt to capture true fear. CW takes Madison to a secluded island a few miles off the coast, where, as Madison put it, nobody will hear her scream. As they sit across from one another, CW tells Madison exactly what she’s going to do to her. It’s not a threat, rather a perfectly delivered, quiet promise. Without revealing exactly what happens, it’s hinted at prior to with a simple yet haunting image: In one of the logs, someone was seemingly keeping a day count. Five little scratches carved into the wood, ending abruptly.
In summary, Influencer packed a surprising punch, which mostly can be left up to the wonderful performances from both leads. They expressed an unending commitment to their characters, never once truly dipping past satire and into clichés. It would’ve been so easy for such modern themes to create a film that was nearly unwatchable. “Social media thriller” doesn’t exactly have the best ring to it. However, with Harder’s expert storytelling, Influencer was a truly thrilling watch.
