Bryn Woznicki and Lauren Neal’s feature film, Under the Influencer, hits on a very broad spectrum of underrepresented actors and artists to create this unique psychological thriller.
Lex (Lauren Neal) is a queer, biracial data scientist and digital artist who suffers from a debilitating anxiety disorder. To pay the bills, she works as a customer service rep for a dating app, while at night, she is the avant-garde AI artist known as Neomy. Lex lives behind her monicker as a way to feed into her creativity while remaining anonymous.
Over time, Lex has been involved in a somewhat toxic mentorship with infamous curator Andrea Caulfield (Erin Matthews). Lex’s desired anonymity is a mere nuisance to Caulfield, who thinks she can use her revelation as a PR event.
Caulfield has been able to guide Lex to the next level of her art, but her methods are pretty dubious. Andrea has found that when Lex is comfortable, her art is bland, but when she is stressed…dare I say, tortured? That is when Lex becomes truly prolific. Caulfield decides that manipulation is the best way to motivate Lex. Nothing is off-limits: flirtation, undue criticism, and the veiled threat of being fired. Caulfield’s tactics work, but they take a significant mental and emotional toll on Lex.
Under the Influencer is a film that highlights the talents of a diverse team of filmmakers in front of and behind the camera. The cast and crew are 73% female/non-binary, 55% BIPOC, and 43% LGBTQ+. The percentages go higher in the areas of creative and production decisions. So, what are the results?
“…a mentor/protégé relationship that moves in a highly unhealthy direction.”
Under the Influencer shines in its story about a mentor/protégé relationship that moves in a highly unhealthy direction. Erin Matthews is simply sadistic in her role as the evil curator. As they say, villain roles are the most fun to play, and Matthews is almost having too much fun. As Lex becomes aware of Caulfield’s tactics, the third act becomes an exhilarating chess game as the two engage in psychological warfare. The imagery of Lex’s slow mental deterioration is amazing.
The film also centers on the art world and boasts an intriguing AI-animated opening that is fascinating to watch. Though the AI debate continues, the opening has a level of controlled chaos that I enjoyed set against Lex’s monologue about how art cannibalizes the artist.
My only qualm with Under the Influencer, and this is a true nitpick, is that the film’s overall tone is too clean…too clear. Reminds me of the old television show, Silk Stalkings. Simply put, as a film lover, the look of film always feels more authentic than the look of digital video. Under the Influencer feels like a fantasy, when I prefer dirty and authentic. Yes, this is very much a matter of preference when it comes to the style of these torturous tales. In the end, it gives off a bit of soap opera vibes, and the performances from the cast feel melodramatic.
Ultimately, Under the Influencer is a success for a project showcasing the power of diverse marginalized voices. It is important because everyone has the right to make movies and tell their stories. Woznicki and Neal have chosen to tell a straightforward thriller from a queer and female viewpoint. Fans of indie thrillers will enjoy this unique take.
Under the Influencer screened at the 2024 Micheaux Film Festival.
"…Erin Matthews is simply sadistic...and almost having too much fun."
