[REVIEW] Brooklyn Horror Film Festival: Influencer

Spoilers ahead!

Source: Brooklyn Horror Film Festival

Influencer from Superhost director Kurtis David Harder had its world premier at Brooklyn Horror Film Festival as it made its mark as a standout social media thriller slasher extravaganza. 

Influencer, written by Kurtis David Harder and Tesh Guttikonda, is an absolute smash that subverts other films featuring an influencer character. Harder and Guttikonda were careful to highlight the human being behind the camera without judgment, which cannot be said of the film’s surprise villain. The film is set and filmed on location in the gorgeous Thailand and opens on influencer Madison (Emily Tennant) posting about her solo adventures after her boyfriend Ryan (Rory J. Saper) cancels his plans to join her. Madison shoots her spon-con ads on the island, with a face of displeasure as soon as the phone stops rolling. Madison soon meets CW (Cassandra Naud) and the two hit it off and begin to explore the island as they explore their newfound friendship.

One morning, CW escorts Madison to an island where she explains her plan to abandon her, and though the story is told in jest, this is exactly what happens. Cue the title card as our actual protagonist is revealed and CW becomes our number one villainous lady. CW uses her savvy technology skills to pose as Madison on all of her social media accounts, until suddenly Ryan shows up in Thailand, throwing a hitch in her plan. Chaos ensues, and the film becomes a bloody battle for our mysterious white girl with no outside connections to protect her plans. The adventures end in a brilliant twist that is the perfect cap for a rollercoaster of a film.

Influencer is a knockout good time with an astounding lead performance from Cassandra Naud. The film tackles themes of social media and identity without placing judgment on those who make a living from participating in the culture. CW’s tactic of killing influencers and using their identity for her own gain is called into question, as we never really know her intentions behind it. Does she want money or does she just want some sort of perceived fulfillment from the attention? Nevertheless, it is a grand old time watching her achieve her dreams.

Definitely check out Influencer when it releases, you’re in for a treat!