‘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, intriguing, and nerve-wracking allegory exploring the sickness of fame in today’s world. It follows the story of Matthew (Théodore Pellerin), an insignificant individual working in one of LA’s minimalist clothing stores, as he manages to insert himself into the exclusive circle of Oliver (Archie Madekwe), a rising pop star with fervent admirers but striving for greater success. Despite still traveling in a tour bus, Oliver represents the next step. Matthew transforms into Oliver’s friend, his constant companion, and his social media collaborator. Grateful for the recognition – to such an extent that he would do anything, go to any lengths – to maintain it.

Back in the day, such a plot would have been perfect for a traditional Hollywood thriller. However, Alex Russell, the creative mind behind “Lurker,” takes a different approach. He employs an edgy, shaky handheld-camera style reminiscent of today’s ubiquitous smartphones, reflecting the ephemeral selfie-obsessed culture that has taken over, especially in the age of Instagram. Each character is vying for coolness, seeking to be more “in” than others, craving Oliver’s endorsement and the allure of his celebrity aura. Yet, it feels like a skyscraper constructed solely out of aspirations, with no solid foundation but itself.

Initially, “Lurker” might seem rather straightforward, but it’s Matthew, portrayed by Théodore Pellerin, who truly captivates with his intriguing and chilling portrayal of a character. At first glance, he appears to be an ordinary geek, with his shy demeanor, wide toothy grin, and bird-like eyes that seem to pierce through you. (He gets around on a bike rather than a car and resides with his grandmother.) However, he’s an attractive geek who knows how to make small talk, play video games, and use slang effectively. As the story unfolds, those seemingly innocent eyes reveal a tense web of deception. There’s a hint of Norman Bates in him, along with a tranquil passive-aggression that brings to mind Mike White’s remarkable performance as a stalker in “Chuck & Buck.” Essentially, Matthew is playing the role of a geek, and his eyes are like sponges, absorbing everything around them.

I’m tending to my store when a tall, British, biracial gentleman with unique two-toned hair (red on top, dark on the sides) casually walks in. He’s visited before, and as soon as I spot him, I subtly play “My Love Song for You” over the speaker system – a gem from Nile Rogers’ 1983 album that I know he adores. I want to impress him with my knowledge of his musical tastes. To my delight, it catches his attention, and he approaches me, expressing genuine appreciation. He invites me to his show tonight and even takes down my number to introduce me backstage.

Upon entering the dressing room, Matthew encounters an unexpected scenario: Oliver lounging with a female companion, accompanied by two friends from their middle school days, who seem uninterested in Matthew except for teasing him playfully (he’s told to drop his pants casually). This disregard is because he hasn’t been initiated yet; this situation resembles a hazing ritual that he must survive. Consequently, Oliver invites him over to his home in the Hollywood Hills. He has specified that Matthew should bring along an old-school camcorder, as Oliver intends for Matthew to record him – to aid with the documentary about himself and generate catchy content suitable for social media.

In today’s world, just like many up-and-coming pop stars, Oliver yearns for public recognition, a desire that was traditionally managed by record companies and their associated publicists. However, in the current era, self-promotion is more common, making it less crucial if Matthew, the cameraman, possesses talent (which he does). The footage they’re creating is largely disposable: pranks, candid moments for fans, or anything that might catch people’s attention.

It’s clear that Oliver and Matthew engage in a false display of admiration towards each other. Oliver praises his new friend, claiming he’s unique (because Matthew seems to understand him) and even suggesting they could be best friends, but it’s obvious that Oliver, despite his enthusiasm, merely says whatever comes to mind. He doesn’t need his words to hold any sincerity. What he seeks from Matthew is flattery, which fuels him. “You’re going to become the most famous artist in the world,” says Matthew, and it sounds like he truly believes it. Such a comment strikes the perfect note. Archie Madekwe, from “Saltburn,” imbues Oliver with a genuinely authentic aura of friendly camaraderie that’s always present…but only for a price. This is why their relationship feels so superficial.

In a humble upbringing, Oliver perceives the individuals in his circle as more than just acquaintances; they are his family. One of the film’s central ideas is that the internet communities and star-studded entourages have evolved into surrogate families, explaining their irresistible allure. Matthew, captivated by Oliver’s admiration, has become an addict in this regard. With Oliver’s assistance, Matthew’s Instagram popularity skyrockets, making him a celebrity as well. The events unfold rapidly, propelled by their own momentum — that is, until they are filming one of Oliver’s songs with sheep on a farm, and the documentary director (Daniel Zolghardri), who has been collaborating with Matthew, runs out of battery power for his camera, and strangely can’t seem to locate his spare batteries. Oh dear! We have a strong suspicion as to who might have taken them.

In a modern twist reminiscent of “All About Eve,” the movie “Lurker” portrays an intriguing dynamic between Jamie (played by Sunny Suljic) and Matthew. When Jamie, a colleague from the clothing store, is befriended by Oliver for his handmade sweaters and starts spending time at his house, it triggers a sense of threat to Matthew’s own rise in status. He believed himself to be the chosen one, the shining star among brothers. His possessiveness towards the affection he received is palpable. Even when Oliver, after their trip to London, realizes that Matthew is problematic and distances himself, the story doesn’t end there. Matthew has installed a hidden camera in Oliver’s living room, and when two ardent fans of Oliver approach him in the boutique, he knows exactly how to manipulate them for purposes of extortion.

In essence, the movie ‘Lurker’ isn’t a pleasant or comforting viewing experience. The story predominantly follows Matthew’s perspective, which might lead one to anticipate a twisted satisfaction in rooting for his success. However, Alex Russell’s approach is less sympathetic and more objective. He doesn’t portray Matthew as a charming rogue, but rather invites us to witness the entire degrading spectacle of the fame-obsessed entertainment industry that modern celebrity has become.

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2025-01-29 07:47