Obsession is one of the great literary themes.  One person in a position of power, another aspiring to attain it, a relationship between them evolving from fascination to camaraderie and into something else.  Alex Russell, writer on such series as The Bear, Interior Chinatown, and Beef, takes on this classic setup in his first feature film, Lurker.  

In the film, a young retail worker named Matthew (Théodore Pellerin) worms his way into the entourage of rising pop star Oliver (Archie Madekwe) after impressing him with his taste in music. Oliver, self-assured but desperate for validation, invites Matthew to a show and is soon relying on him for creative feedback and ideas. The story then proceeds as prescribed, but with two outstanding performances to anchor it.  

Théodore Pellerin gives a nuanced performance as Matthew. He’s a character with an inner conniving nature and an outward facade of charm, and Pellerin is able to make sure that that facade is solid enough for people to trust him, but also has enough cracks that anyone looking might see through. Much of this, especially in the first act, is performed wordlessly, with subtle shifts in body language and tenor whenever Matthew believes no one is looking.  It’s a masterful portrayal, and one that further establishes him as one of our best up-and-coming actors.  

Similarly, Archie Madekwe’s Oliver is all too believable as the enthusiastic, but selfish and childlike celebrity.  Oliver is quick to accept Matthew into his entourage when Matthew gives him honest feedback, but as soon as the limits of that honesty are reached, Oliver is just as quick to put him in his place.   There’s a real sense of vulnerability at times about Oliver, though; he’s a young man striving for artistic excellence, but seems to know that that is just out of reach without assistance, even though he’s too vain to accept it. 

Together, Archie Madekwe and Pellerin have an intense chemistry, one that in another movie may have gone further, but in this, it remains explored only platonically.  It’s this intensity that drives the story forward, and as the film progresses and Matthew reveals more of himself as a manipulator, the shift from fascination to something darker is entirely compelling to watch.  Russell’s previous writing (and producing) experience in character dramas really shines.  He’s able to bring the audience right into the fray both at the best and worst of times, keeping the story grounded and intimate.

Playing out like something of a Gen-Z Talented Mr. Ripley, Lurker explores power dynamics in relationships, celebrity, and the cult thereof.  It dives into difficult situations and posits what lengths one might go to retain the status they’ve attained, even if that status is simply the moonlight reflected from the sun of another.  It’s a taut thriller with two excellent lead performances that cement both Archie Madekwe and Théodore Pellerin as young actors to watch. 

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