Definition
Ingrid Goes West is a 2017 American black comedy–drama film that satirizes social media culture and the pursuit of online fame.
Overview
The film was written and directed by Matt Spicer and produced by the Duplass Brothers Productions. It stars Aubrey Plaza as Ingrid Thorburn, a socially awkward young woman with borderline personality disorder, and Elizabeth Olsen as Taylor Sloane, an Instagram influencer living in Los Angeles. The plot follows Ingrid, who, after a breakup and a suicide attempt, relocates from Cleveland to Los Angeles to infiltrate Taylor’s life, eventually becoming her roommate and friend while covertly chronicling Taylor’s life on social media. The narrative explores themes of authenticity, identity construction, and the emotional consequences of digital self-presentation. Ingrid Goes West premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2017, and received generally positive reviews for its screenplay, direction, and performances, particularly Plaza’s. It was later released theatrically in the United States on March 30, 2018, by Amazon Studios.
Etymology/Origin
The title combines the protagonist’s name, Ingrid, with the phrase “goes west,” colloquially meaning to travel to the western United States—specifically, the move from the Midwest (Cleveland) to the West Coast (Los Angeles). The phrasing also echoes the 1970 Western film title pattern (e.g., "Mackenna’s Gold"), underscoring the idea of a journey, both physical and psychological. The title therefore reflects the central narrative of Ingrid’s relocation and her quest for a new identity.
Characteristics
- Genre: Black comedy, drama, satire.
- Runtime: 106 minutes.
- Language: English.
- Production Companies: Duplass Brothers Productions, American Film Company.
- Distribution: Amazon Studios (theatrical), followed by streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
- Critical Reception: Rotten Tomatoes rating of approximately 84 % (as of 2024), Metacritic score in the mid‑60s, indicating generally favorable reviews. Critics highlighted the film’s incisive critique of influencer culture and its balanced blend of humor and pathos.
- Awards and Nominations: The film received nominations for the Independent Spirit Awards (Best First Feature, Best Actress for Aubrey Plaza) and won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017 (development stage).
- Cultural Impact: Frequently cited in academic discussions on digital media, the film has been used as a case study for examining the psychological effects of social media, performative self‑presentation, and the commodification of personal relationships online.
Related Topics
- Social Media Influencer Culture – The phenomenon depicted in the film, focusing on individuals who monetize personal branding via platforms such as Instagram.
- Black Comedy – A subgenre that combines humor with darker, often unsettling subject matter, exemplified by the film’s treatment of mental health and deception.
- Matt Spicer – Director and screenwriter; known for his work on The To-Do List (2013) and other independent comedies.
- Duplass Brothers – Film producers noted for supporting low‑budget, character‑driven projects.
- Aubrey Plaza – Actress recognized for her deadpan comedic style; Ingrid Goes West marked a notable dramatic turn in her career.
- Elizabeth Olsen – Actress whose role as an influencer contributed to discussions on the representation of digital fame in cinema.
- Digital Identity – Scholarly field examining how online personas are constructed and perceived, relevant to the film’s central themes.
Ingrid Goes West remains a culturally relevant work that critiques contemporary social media dynamics through a narrative that blends satire with empathetic character study.