Blu-ray Review – Influencer

Screenwriters Tesh Guttikonda and Kurtis Harder (who also directs) wade into the murky waters of social media domination in "Influencer." They're not making a horror movie with the subculture's frightening ways, but a slow-burn thriller, clearly influenced by author Patricia Highsmith and her novel, "The Talented Mr. Ripley," looking to replicate some of the same character tensions. The story follows the dangerous days of a young woman who's tired of culture invaders, looking to mess up many lives as she executes a special plan of torment for her victims and their narcissistic ways. "Influencer" captures a unique intensity and level of psychological corruption in its first half, only to lessen suspense as the tale becomes something of a detective story as it nears its conclusion. It's not consistent, but it mostly works, giving viewers a decent ride of eeriness and mental illness on both sides of the criminal situation. The writing also pokes at the business of social media, challenging a few points of power as it gradually shapes an examination of doom. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com