This is a review for the 2023 movie “Influencer”. This Shudder original has a lot to say regarding influencer culture; and isn’t afraid to be brutal with how it says it.
What is Influencer about?
It’s difficult to discuss this movie without spoiling it completely, as it takes a lot of twists and turns. We begin the movie with Madison (Emily Tennant), an influencer who meets CW (Cassandra Naud) on a trip in a Thailand. The two hit it off and start bonding, but things aren’t quite what they seem. The movie is a combination of Speak No Evil and Orphan: First Kill.
As you can imagine, the movie is quite critical of influencers and influencer culture. There’s an over-arching theme of influencers being disposable and fake; with nobody missing them if they were to disappear. It can be a bit heavy-handed with this at times, but it does integrate well into the story in a way that is rare for a “mobile phones = bad” message, that is so often ham-fisted.
While objectively a horror movie, the movie is relatively light on gore and frights. I was wondering how the movie had earned an “18” rating until one particular scene happens, where the movie makes it clear that it isn’t afraid to be brutal. Keep an eye out for that one!
Influencer (2023) Review
This was a pleasant surprise. I hadn’t heard of it at all, but saw it on Shudder and thought it sounded like a good way to kill some time. I’m very happy that I went into this blind as there were so many twists and turns, with the movie taking its time to get to where it wants to be. There’s a moment, about 20 minutes in, where I was thinking “okay, so this is going to be a Survivor-type movie”. Then, the opening credits played and we cut to three weeks later, with an entirely new plot and I was sold.
As mentioned previously, the movie integrates its themes well. I didn’t find myself as Speak No Evil (which left me feeling devastated) or Evil Dead Rise (which made me feel like taking a shower) – but I was solidly entertained and gripped to my screen.
Who should watch this movie?
If you like horror, then give this movie a go. It’s relatively short and is interesting enough to be a worthwhile watch. Equally, if you’re not a huge horror fan; but can get on-board for a thrill ride – this may also interest you. There’s one scene which is gory, but don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to cover your eyes.
When will these people learn to stop making friends on holiday?
This was a review for the 2023 movie “Influencer”. Does this movie deserve a heart react or a big thumbs down? Let us know in the comments below.