Lurker – Hero Worship Turns Dark, Obsessive And Malicious

The darker side of friendship is depicted in Lurker, a low budget but exceptionally confronting psychological drama.

The story delves on Matthew, a lonely young man who works in a popular Los Angelos clothing store. His life is about to change when Oliver, a rising pop star, enters his store. Oliver invites him to his concert once Matthew tells him that he’s not a fan, citing he “needs a real person there”. Soon afterwards Oliver invites him into his entourage to film a documentary about his tour.

A close bond develops – “I feel like I’ve known you guys forever and for a reason,” Matthew enthuses, to which Oliver responds that he’s his best friend and now part of his family – a special family which only he gets to choose the members.

When Matthew introduces his friend into the group his own popularity within the entourage is challenged and diminishes – he’s warned to ‘take a break’.

What follows in this story of hero worship is the raw and gritty breakdown of a friendship. Evicted from the entourage Matthew is desperate to re-emerge. Blackmail and violence arise from both sides.

Matthew is a lurker, initially observing and enjoying the attention from the popular singer and ultimately making his presence known once he’s evicted from the entourage.

Audiences will ponder whether Matthew is developing mental issues. He enjoyed being recognised in the media as Oliver’s best friend but once this friendship terminates Matthew devises a devious plan to own Oliver and his career.

Written and directed by Alex Russell the film stars Theodore Pellerin as Matthew and Gran Turismo and Saltburn star Archie Madekwe as Oliver. Lurker is a film which draws audiences quickly and holds their attention throughout. It’s sinister and unsettling, especially once Matthew falls from grace with Oliver and his entourage.

Much of the film feels like an amateur documentary as it’s seen through Matthew’s camera lens. This adds a touch of realism to the story and makes it a more immersive experience, heightening the tension and experiencing a clearer picture from the character’s perspective.

Themes of obsession and manipulation are prevalent and the dangers of fans becoming overly zealous, or more aptly obsessed, in the lives of celebrities. Escaping one’s menial social class and being accepted into another providing a sense of belonging, self-discovery and new beginnings are also primary themes.

Can admiration inadvertently evolve into exploitation? The twist in the finale is mind-blowing, and audiences will ultimately question – Is this art imitating life?

Lurker is a thought-provoking and must-see drama which recently screened at the recent Sydney Film Festival.

***1/2

In Cinemas November 27