Théodore Pellerin performs a parasocial obsessive who craves proximity to fame in author/director Alex Russell’s spectacular, uneasy debut characteristic “Lurker,” premiering on the 2025 Sundance Movie Competition. Set in a present-day Los Angeles the place everyone seems to be outlined not by who they’re however by what they do, “Lurker” follows Matthew (the rising and fantastic Canadian actor Pellerin), who turns into obsessive about pop star Oliver (Archie Madekwe) after an opportunity encounter. Oliver ropes Matthew into his social orbit in ways in which begin to really feel exploitative, probably to make use of him as a videographer to doc his rising success (a stage of fame Oliver himself is turning into uncomfortable with).
However their relationship turns into way more parasitic and poisonous — and even homoerotic — in Russell’s tense and absorbing movie, probably the most buzzed-about debuts enjoying Sundance.
“The characters on this film are archetypes,” Russell, identified for his writing and supervising producing work on TV’s “The Bear” and “Beef,” instructed IndieWire. “I’ve seen each character on this film 10 occasions over. Regarding Matthew is essential as a result of the film is subjective in that approach, whereas numerous films about an obsessive particular person, even like a ‘King of Comedy,’ it’s form of goal, and there’s a separation between the viewers and the character, and it’s a little bit extra like, ‘Oh, have a look at this loopy man that’s not me.’ In exhibiting the film to individuals, individuals are form of guiltily referring to him. On a really fundamental stage, individuals can relate to the concept of ‘if you wish to do something that you simply weren’t born into,’ you must put your self on the market someway.”
There are hints all through the film — which filmed on location in L.A. final yr and sadly contains a home that was burned down within the Altadena fireplace — that Matthew and Oliver’s dynamic might turn into probably extra harmful. Matthew is a basic hanger-on, whose personal id is mutable, molding himself to whoever is round him and shining their mild on him.
“To me, it was a really American story, an L.A. story, principally as a result of there’s the sense, in America, I feel however most likely in every single place within the West, that mainstream tradition celebrities [are] positioned or positioned as a type of deities, like gods,” Pellerin stated. “The factor that individuals aspire to or like to and look as much as and take down. … He [Matthew] enters that world fully in awe after which he learns of the mechanism and will get actually disillusioned.”
When it comes to casting, Russell stated that by coincidence, “On Turning into a God in Central Florida” and “Household First” star Pellerin’s audition was the primary tape he noticed. “I bear in mind seeing it having by no means directed something. I used to be like, ‘Oh, my god, if that is the ground, who’s going to play this half?,’” Russell stated. “He’s so good, and he’s so good at portraying ambiguous intentions, which is so of this character. You’re watching him and also you’re like, ‘Is he an OK man? What are we doing right here?’ He’s additionally not opaque. He’s very expressive. The intrigue of ‘the place are you going with this?’ was particular to him.
When it comes to “Saltburn” breakout Madekwe’s character, Russell stated, “I feel there are most likely numerous artists who will see themselves on this character. What’s nice is making him British and disguising the influences in a approach. … I made a playlist that Archie contributed to of artists in that vein that we might give it some thought, what their merch seems like, what their songs sound like. Fortunately, Archie is British however he understands the world of this film and the varieties of individuals on this world. He listens to the sort of music.” (The unique music is written by document producer and DJ Kenny Beats.)
Madekwe learn the script across the starting of COVID and stated he heard nothing. “Years go by, and I’m in New York, and my agent calls me and says, ‘Alex Russell desires to satisfy you for Oliver.’” (He initially auditioned to play Matthew.) “It turned out that Alex had seen you in a espresso store in L.A. and had watched me for an hour, after which determined that I might play the half off of that. … I discovered this out months later. It was very unusual, meant to be.”
As for the script, Madekwe stated it “felt very recognizable to me. I’ve obtained numerous mates in music and in that particular world Alex is aware of so properly. It performs with that concept of energy in L.A. very, very properly.”
“I cherished being in L.A. and in addition simply doing the teaser [before filming] was nice analysis as a result of Alex took me to some events and issues, and it was attention-grabbing to see how social dynamics play out. It’s a lot about that. How do you make your performs? How do you are taking it? Who will get to have a suggestion of a spot in social conditions? So it was very attention-grabbing,” stated Pellerin, who right here provides considered one of his greatest performances as an overwhelmingly lonely L.A. hanger-on.
“Lurker” is presently purchasing for U.S. distribution, however phrase on the bottom at Sundance is already robust for the satirical thriller.
“Lurker” world premieres on the 20245 Sundance Movie Competition on January 28.