UK film fans can finally see what all the fuss is about
An ‘intense’ thriller that already boasts an impressive 94% rating is available to watch now.
New film release Lurker is now in cinemas across the UK, while those in the US are able to stream it via Mubi. The film was written and directed by Alex Russell who has previously worked on a number of hit television shows.
He penned episodes of Netflix series Beef as well as Dave and Interior Chinatown. Russell even picked up an Emmy for his work on the hit series The Bear, of which he wrote the celebrated episode titled Forks.
Lurker marks his feature film debut both as writer and director. According to the synopsis, 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. LURKER is an exhilarating cat-and-mouse thriller made for the moment. Online fixation meets reality in this parasocial, paranoid film driven by a brilliant score and star-making performances.
The premise may sound familiar to those who watched the series The Idol, however judging from early reviews, this new title is expected to be more worth your while than the HBO drama. Its cast is lead by by Archie Madekwe, who previously appeared in Saltburn as well as Théodore Pellerin, whose previous credits include Becoming Karl Lagerfeld.
Critics have so far been full of praise for the film ahead of its release, earning it a 94% rating on website Rotten Tomatoes. One review declared: “A masterclass in social psychology and a slow-burning depiction of obsession, deception, fame, and fandom all in one.”
Another suggested: “It’s impossible to look away from the cringey and tension-filled situations surrounding Matthew, whose evolution unfolds in a crescendo of discomfort and menace that keeps the viewer hooked from start to finish.”
One review put forward that the film seems to borrow elements from elsewhere to present something fresh. They penned: “Morphs from the social-media riff of Almost Famous into a startlingly fresh and twisty new-age take on The Talented Mr. Ripley.”
A number of film fans have already managed to see the title, thanks to its different release dates across various territories. One person, sharing their thoughts online said: “This film is as terribly exciting as it is deliciously uncomfortable and cringe. Keeps you entertained the entire time.”
Another posted: “Profoundly unsettling, Lurker shows us not just the darker side of fame, but also the abysmal depth of obsession. Obsession with celebrities, with another person, with power and control.”
And one person went so far as to say: “A riveting and thought-provoking suspense film, masterfully written, with an outstanding cast that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last moment. You’ll find yourself deeply connecting with one of the main characters, making the experience even more immersive. This film truly deserves an Oscar!”
Lurker is in cinemas now.
