Influencer (film)

Influencer is a 2022 Canadian psychological thriller film directed by Kurtis David Harder and starring Emily Tennant, Sara Canning, Cassandra Naud, and Rory J Saper. The film follows a social media influencer on a solo backpacking trip to Thailand who encounters another traveler who seemingly shares her lifestyle.

Plot:

The film centers on Jessica (Emily Tennant), a social media influencer struggling with the superficiality of her online persona and the disconnect from her real self. While on a sponsored solo trip to Thailand, she meets Simone (Sara Canning), a charismatic and seemingly free-spirited traveler. Simone introduces Jessica to a different side of travel, pushing her beyond her comfort zone. As Jessica spends more time with Simone, she begins to suspect that Simone's intentions are not what they seem, and that she may be in danger. The film unfolds with a series of unsettling events, leading Jessica to confront the true nature of her situation and the darker aspects of social media culture.

Themes:

• Social Media's Impact: The film explores the pressures and artificiality of social media culture, particularly on influencers and their followers.
• Identity and Authenticity: The film delves into the struggle of maintaining a genuine identity in a world saturated with curated online personas.
• Trust and Deception: A central theme revolves around the dangers of trusting strangers and the potential for manipulation within travel experiences.
• Psychological Thriller Elements: The film employs elements of suspense and psychological manipulation to create a sense of unease and uncertainty.

Reception:

• While reviews were mixed, common points included praising Sara Canning's performance as Simone and acknowledging the film's attempts to critique influencer culture. Some critics found the plot predictable, while others appreciated the atmospheric tension and thought-provoking themes.