Lurker

Is "Lurker" the cringiest movie of 2025? It's gotta be a contender.

We've seen similar stories play out a million times before, but due to an energetic style and terrific performances, this version manages to feel fresh. And there's a cynical message in the film's ending that sets it apart from other movies like it, and feels very much of the moment in our cultural climate. That message being: bad behavior is often rewarded.

Grade: A.

This is a gorgeously shot film (in 16mm film no less) that plunges into the life of a pop artist (currently under the radar, but progressing into peak stardom) and an obsessed fan with unwavering but questionable intentions. Archie Madekwe and Theodore Pellerin play these roles respectively, with an equation that ranges from 'chill Gen Z bros' to 'outright career destruction.' The writing carefully treads these waters, with just about sufficient character development for us to want to know what happens next. The power dynamics among the "influencer-like" people who form the inner circle of a rising star, the almost symbiote-like relationship that develops between Oliver (Madekwe) and Matthew (Pellerin), the humorous in-betweens, the commentary around "celebrity obsession" -- most of it hits hard.

There are (one or two) subplots and characters that pop in and out without any exciting payoffs, but the central drama always remains steady (and uneasy). Kenny Beats' musical compositions add greater depth to the story, alongside Pat Scola's cinematography, giving it that textured, classical touch. All that said, some of the plot developments (in the final act) lack the required tension or urgency, and they basically end up prolonging the inevitable. I'd still recommend the film for its storytelling, cinematography (..and lighting), music, and performances.

I thought this was a great psychodrama around the subject of fame.

I spent decades trying to attain fame myself and I was close enough to it to recognise the characters In this film.

It's really well done with a great use of music and some genuinely outstanding performances. This might be my favourite film of 2025.

We were not ready for this.

Walking out of 'Lurker', hubby and I turned to each other in that stunned, slightly giddy way you do when a film completely floors you. We were blown away. Like - how is this a debut?

Directed by Alex Russell (a producer on 'The Bear' and 'Beef'), 'Lurker' is slick, unsettling, and deeply absorbing. It starts with a simple premise: Matthew (Théodore Pellerin), a lonely retail worker in LA, slowly inserts himself into the life of rising music star Oliver (Archie Madekwe), but what unfolds is a razor-wire dance of admiration, control, and obsession. You think you know where it's going - and then it shifts. And shifts again.

There's definitely DNA from 'Saltburn' in there - rich people behaving badly, blurred power lines - but this felt more grounded. Sadder, even. And if you're a fan of the emotional claustrophobia of 'The Bear', you'll feel right at home.

The performances are knockout. Pellerin is magnetic - equal parts fragile and unhinged - and Madekwe walks that fine line between charisma and detachment perfectly. The film sits in discomfort without ever overplaying it. Every beat feels intentional.

Lurker is a character study, a cautionary tale, and a coming-of-obsession wrapped in one. I haven't been able to shake it since.

Highly, highly recommend catching this one if you're into character-driven psychological drama that actually has something to say.

Lurker is superb visually and musically. It's almost worth a watch for that part of the experience alone. I thought this was a fresh take on an interesting idea. That said; after a strong first half, the writing gets pretty lazy in the second half - particularly around a critical plot device mid-film - and the characters flatten out. The story labours in its final chapters. It didn't ruin the movie for me, but I thought a sharper finish would have really elevated this film to what it deserved to be.