Lurker - Review of the 2025 Chicago Critics Film Festival

      Lurker, 2025.

      Written and Directed by Alex Russell.

      Featuring Théodore Pellerin, Archie Madekwe, Havana Rose Liu, Sunny Suljic, Daniel Zolghadri, Zack Fox, Cam Hicks, Chaize Macklin, Brian Niles, Sean Wang, Myra Turley, Jonas Gindin, Hannah Christine Shetler, Mikaela Poon, Willa Shaw, and Rene Leech.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A retail worker becomes part of the inner circle of a rising artist. As he grows closer to the emerging music star, the stakes of access and intimacy turn critical. While gaining fame can be exhilarating, it also tends to transform those around the artist—friends, colleagues, and former allies—into sycophantic yes-men, detached from the true essence of the art. In Alex Russell’s eerily realistic psychological thriller, Lurker, Archie Madekwe plays R&B musician Oliver, who desires a deeper connection to his art. During a trip to a celebrity clothing store, he meets the socially awkward yet composed Matthew, portrayed by Théodore Pellerin. Matthew, who is well-versed in Oliver's influences, cleverly ingratiates himself into Oliver's circle, especially since he possesses photography skills that could contribute to an ongoing documentary aimed at uncovering the musician's true identity.

      Unsurprisingly, Matthew's obsession reveals a darker fascination. As Lurker progresses, it becomes evident that he lacks a true understanding of Oliver's artistic intentions or his identity. Despite his obsession, Matthew is perceptive, making him dangerously unpredictable. He articulates valid observations about fame and attention in a recorded conversation, particularly when dealing with an intrusive parasocial fan. Like certain notorious sociopaths, he possesses keen observation skills and self-awareness, even while struggling with his fixation.

      There’s ambiguity about whether Matthew seeks this unhealthy connection to fulfill his cravings or simply desires a taste of social media fame as an on-screen figure in Oliver's life. It may also be a distorted strategy to advance his photography career. The most plausible explanation is that it encompasses all three motivations.

      Alex Russell and editor David Kashevaroff have crafted a tightly woven thriller that is convincingly engaging and adeptly highlights what serves the plot and characters, sometimes skimming over details that may serve merely as a distraction from convenient plot points. The film's most unsettling element is how Matthew, as he unsettles Oliver's world through manipulative means, causes the supporting cast to diminish, allowing for a more intense focus on this toxic relationship. Not every bold choice made in Lurker succeeds—certain elements in the final ten minutes feel like a retreat, suggesting uncertainty about certain plot directions. While the performances are utterly captivating and believable, there are inconsistencies in handling complicated situations.

      Théodore Pellerin navigates the delicate balance between inscrutability and danger as Matthew, someone ready to lash out at anyone who diverts Oliver's attention. A particularly tense scenario ensues when Oliver develops feelings for Matthew’s friend, who grasps the music's essence and the vision for the forthcoming album cover. The film also features catchy and memorable songs, notably an impactful final track that aligns neatly with Lurker’s themes, with choruses that are inextricably linked to the narrative's disturbing core. This film is a chilling reflection from a filmmaker attuned to the nuances of contemporary dynamics.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder is affiliated with the Chicago Film Critics Association, the Critics Choice Association, and the Online Film Critics Society. He serves as the Reviews Editor for Flickering Myth. Check here for new reviews and follow my BlueSky or Letterboxd.