Movie: Influencer

Influencer isn't the typical portrayal you might expect. This Shudder exclusive, directed and co-written by Kurtis David Harder, emerges as a ruthless, contained thriller that reinterprets the slasher formula from classics like Brian De Palma's "Dressed to Kill" in the context of our current social media era. The outcome is a film that, while as crude and mean-spirited as its influences, stands out for its intriguing structure and sharp focus, surpassing the predictability of its seemingly standard "trip-gone-wrong" premise.

Elevated by a mesmerizing, potentially star-making performance, Influencer may not introduce groundbreaking insights into the artificiality of a social media star's life, but it consistently challenges viewers' expectations in exciting ways. What's particularly remarkable is how the film's numerous twists and unexpected turns unfold gradually, eschewing acceleration for a methodical revelation.

Throughout its 91-minute runtime, Influencer progressively immerses the audience deeper into layers of deception, impersonation, and, inevitably, murder. The third act features an underwater brawl, fitting for a thriller as murky and perilous as Influencer.

While the film deliberately keeps the identity of its eponymous "influencer" open to interpretation, its narrative primarily revolves around Madison (Emily Tennant), a successful yet lonely social media star. Madison's unfulfilling trip to Thailand, orchestrated by her social media-obsessed boyfriend, Ryan (Rory J. Saper), takes an unexpected turn when she encounters CW (Cassandra Naud), a mysterious girl offering alternatives to typical tourist spots.

Without delving into spoilers, CW's intentions are revealed to be less pure than initially presented. The film's entertainment value lies in its unpredictable story and structure, with an unexpected first-act turn altering the trajectory around the 26-minute mark.

As Influencer delves into its twist-laden middle section, the plot becomes intricate, convoluted, and deadly. Saper's Ryan entering the scene in Thailand introduces potential for bloodshed, and the film doesn't shy away from confronting the violence beneath its surface, delivering physical confrontations that are either shocking, tragic, or a blend of both.

At the heart of Influencer's twists is Naud's CW, who plays a more active role than other characters. Naud's beguiling, scene-stealing performance injects the film with a much-needed dose of danger. The film wisely relies on Naud's expressions, making her impulsive reactions as entertaining as her calculated plans.

While Naud's performance enhances the film's mood and complexity, Influencer doesn't fully explore its ideas about the falseness of online identity. The script incorporates some cutting observations about online followings inflating egos and alleviating loneliness. However, the twisty third act, while genuinely surprising, leans towards being too tidy and cute for its own good. Whether Naud gets more lead roles in the future will likely depend on Influencer's reception, but her capability to handle ambiguous characters is evident in this performance. Despite its limitations, Influencer remains a compelling thriller with a unique perspective on the dark side of social media.