When a twenty-something retail clerk encounters a rising pop star, he takes the opportunity to edge his way into the in-crowd. But as the line between friend and fan blurs beyond recognition, access and proximity become a matter of life and death.
While working at his retail job, Matthew (Théodore Pellerin) encounters up-and-coming pop star Oliver (Archie Madekwe). During this initial meeting, Matthew manages to plant the seeds to weasel his way into Oliver’s life and social circle. Oliver invites Matthew to help him with a documentary about his latest album, exciting the prospect of fame in Matthew. But staying within Oliver’s circle is another matter entirely, leaving Matthew to do whatever it takes to stay by Oliver’s side.
This debut film from writer/director Alex Russell, “Lurker,” is both a thriller about the people we allow into our lives and a pointed critique of the social media age. Pellerin’s Matthew is eerily calculating, quickly placing himself to connect with Oliver in the film’s opening scene. He’s aware he wants the spotlight but lacks the skills or talent to earn it, positioning himself for fame through proximity. Madekwe’s Oliver pairs well with Pellerin’s performance. Madekwe portrays his character as naive in some ways but comfortable with the pop-star lifestyle and its perks, using people to get what he wants or needs.
Russell gives the film a gritty, grimy look through 16mm photography and low-res footage captured on Matthew’s antiquated camcorder, creating a tension that hooks the viewer as Matthew’s obsession with Oliver grows. “Lurker” is frequently an uncomfortable, awkward watch as Matthew vies for Oliver’s attention. These aren’t characters you’ll be rooting for, except Shai (Havana Rose Liu), Oliver’s down-to-Earth manager. Despite some pacing issues in the final act, Russell handles the material well, though he might not go as far with his ideas as the material suggests.
“Lurker” arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of MUBI. The transfer gives what I imagine is an accurate portrayal of the theatrical experience. The image is overly grainy, aligning with the aesthetic Russell intends, with no obvious anomalies hindering the experience. Viewing with the DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack, this is frequently a LOUD film. Dialogue is clear and kept in the front speakers, while the surrounds and subwoofer pump out the music—no complaints about this film’s transfer.
MUBI’s disc has no supplemental materials included on the disc or in the package.
It’s easy to see why “Lurker” got great word-of-mouth upon its theatrical release — the cast’s performances are excellent and Russell’s direction is astute. Hopefully, this movie continues to find an audience via this release.
Now available on Blu-ray™ and DVD
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