
LURKER
Starring: Théodore Pellerin, Archie Madekwe, Zack Fox, Havana Rose Liu, Wale Onayemi, Daniel Zolghadri, and Sunny Suljic
Director: Alex Russell

This film has been reviewed by Bode and Quentin as part of Bitesize Breakdown's coverage of the 2025 Fantasia International Film Festival.

QUENTIN
Lurker is a hell of a film, thrillingly exploring the dynamics of celebrity (in both influencer culture and the music world), fandom, obsession, and the fame-driven, whatever-it-takes mentality of Gen Z in the internet age. Everything from Alex Russell’s direction to the performances of both Théodore Pellerin and Archie Madekwe are steeped in a genuine rawness that feels lived in. However, with that comes an incredible amount of palpable cringe that can make the viewing experience very uncomfortable, which is exacerbated by the incredibly unlikeable characters. You’re either Team Creep (Pellerin) or Team Douche (Madekwe), which provides a harsh barrier for entry while stifling “enjoyment.”

BODE
In our Fantasia preview HERE, I brought up Lurker as one of my most anticipated selections, especially given its early buzz out of Sundance. I’m happy to say that it lived up to the hype. Writer-director Alex Russell examines one’s proximity to fame and the obsession that can result from it with a sure hand, confidently balancing cringe-inducing hilarity, escalating tension, and unsettling nuance. It’s further boosted by a rich ensemble (Théodore Pellerin and Archie Madekwe certainly have engaging chemistry), Pat Scola’s 16mm cinematography, and a moody score from first-time composer Kenny Beats. Definitely seek this one out.




