‘Lurker’ Review: A Geek Edges Himself Into a Pop Star’s Inner Circle in Alex Russell’s Nifty and Unnerving Parable of the Pathology of Fame

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The film “Lurker” is a compact, clever, and somewhat unsettling story about the sickness of fame in our era. It follows the life of Matthew (Théodore Pellerin), an ordinary person working in a minimalist L.A. clothing store, as he manages to infiltrate the inner circle of Oliver (Archie Madekwe), a rising pop star who has hordes of adoring fans but is striving for greater success (he still travels on a tour bus). Matthew befriends Oliver, tags along with him, and serves as his social media photographer. Matthew is incredibly grateful for this attention, so much so that he’ll do whatever it takes, without hesitation, to keep receiving it.

Three decades ago, such a concept could have ignited a typical Hollywood suspense film. However, Alex Russell, director and writer of “Lurker,” employs a restless, handheld-cellphone-camera style that permeates the entire movie, reflecting its theme: the ephemeral notion of self-documentation equating to fame in the Instagram age. Characters in the film are all vying for coolness, seeking to be more ‘in’ than others, and longing to be endorsed by Oliver, thereby basking in the privileged aura of his celebrity mystique. Yet, it appears as if they’re constructing a castle on air, based solely on its own aspirations.

Initially, “Lurker” might seem superficial at first glance, but it’s the intriguing depth of the character portrayed by Theodore Pellerin as Matthew that truly captivates. At the onset, he appears to be an ordinary geek – clumsy and sincere with a broad, toothy grin and piercing bird-like eyes that seem to bore into you like lasers. (He resides with his grandmother.) However, he’s an attractive geek who knows how to shake hands, play video games, and use slang appropriately. As we delve deeper, those eyes of his transform into a masterclass in backstabbing tension. He exhibits a hint of Norman Bates, while his passive-aggressive demeanor recalls Mike White’s impressive portrayal of a stalker in “Chuck & Buck.” Essentially, Matthew is playing the role of a geek, and those eyes of his absorb everything around them.

At the clothing store, a tall, British, biracial individual named Oliver, sporting unique two-toned hair (red at the top, dark on the sides), walks in to browse. Matthew, who has worked there before, recognizes him and plays “My Love Song for You” from Nile Rogers’ 1983 solo album over the speaker system. It’s one of Oliver’s favorite lesser-known tracks, and by playing it, Matthew hopes to impress Oliver as a true aficionado. As expected, the song catches Oliver’s ear, and he approaches Matthew to compliment him. He invites Matthew to his upcoming show and even asks for his phone number with the intention of introducing him backstage later.

Upon entering the dressing room, Matthew encounters an unexpected scene: Oliver relaxing with a friend, accompanied by two longtime acquaintances from middle school, who appear indifferent towards Matthew, save for playful teasing (he’s jestingly requested to lower his pants). This is because he hasn’t been initiated yet; this incident seems like a hazing ritual that Matthew successfully navigates. Consequently, Oliver invites him over to his Hollywood Hills residence. He has specified that Matthew should bring an old-school camcorder, as Oliver intends for Matthew to record him – to aid with the documentary Oliver is producing about himself, and to generate catchy social media content.

In today’s world, much like a budding pop star, Oliver desires to garner more public attention, a role that was once primarily managed by record companies and their publicists. However, in the current era of social media, self-promotion has become increasingly important, making it less crucial if Matthew, the cameraman, possesses exceptional talent (although he does). The content they produce – whether it’s pranks, real-life scenes for fans, or anything else that might catch people’s eye – is often temporary and disposable.

It’s clear that Oliver and Matthew engage in a reciprocal act of feigned admiration. While Oliver tells his new acquaintance he’s exceptional (because Matthew seems to understand him), it’s apparent that Oliver, despite his enthusiasm, merely speaks whatever comes to mind. He doesn’t require sincerity in his words. Instead, he seeks flattery to bolster himself. So, when Matthew praises him as the future greatest artist, it strikes a chord. This is the type of compliment that hits the mark. Archie Madekwe from “Saltburn” gives Oliver an incredibly genuine aura of camaraderie that’s consistently present…but only for a fee. That’s why their relationship feels so shallow and untrustworthy.

In a humble upbringing, Oliver perceives those around him as his kin, now boasting the autonomy to select his own family. This concept is one of the film’s central themes: that the internet-born fan clubs and star entourages have evolved into surrogate families, which explains their compelling allure. Matthew, in turn, becomes an ardent devotee of Oliver’s admiration; he’s become hooked on his newfound status. Thanks to Oliver, Matthew’s Instagram following skyrockets, propelling him into stardom as well. The events unfold rapidly, seemingly driven by their own momentum — that is, until they’re filming a music video for one of Oliver’s songs featuring sheep in a barnyard, and the documentary crew member (Daniel Zolghardri) who Matthew had been collaborating with runs out of battery power. Oops! It’s not difficult to guess who might have pocketed the spare batteries.

In the modern era, “Lurker” carries an echo of the classic tale “All About Eve,” as Jamie (Sunny Suljic), Matthew’s friend from the store, unexpectedly gains Oliver’s favor with his homemade sweaters and begins spending more time at home. This triggers a chilling reaction in Matthew, who perceives this as a threat to his own rise. He believed himself to be unique, a standout brother. Sharing affection is not something he welcomes. Even when Oliver, following their trip to London, starts to suspect that Matthew is problematic and distances himself, the situation doesn’t end there. Matthew has taken steps to ensure his continued influence by setting up a surveillance camera in Oliver’s living room. When two enthusiastic admirers of Oliver approach him at the boutique, he knows exactly how to manipulate them for purposes of extortion.

The film ‘Lurker,’ as its name might suggest, isn’t a cozy or enjoyable watch. Unlike typical films, it primarily follows Matthew’s perspective, which might lead one to anticipate an unusual delight in rooting for him. However, Alex Russell’s approach is less biased and more analytical. Instead of portraying Matthew as a roguish protagonist, he invites us to observe the entire sordid spectacle of the celebrity world that has morphed into a fame-obsessed circus.

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2025-01-27 00:17