Lurker is one of those rare films that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. Much like The Surfer starring Nicolas Cage, which also dropped earlier this year, it’s a film that demands repeat viewings not just for its intricate character dynamics but also for the layered storytelling that gradually reveals its true nature. At first glance, Lurker might appear to be a familiar story about fame, desire, and fitting in, but as it carefully unravels, it transforms into a deeply chilling cautionary tale about identity, manipulation, and the costs of ambition.
L-R: Archie Madekwe as Oliver and Théodore Pellerin as Matthew in LURKER. Photo courtesy of MUBI. © MUBI.
Directed by Alex Russell (Billy Star), Lurker is a sharp and unsettling look at what happens when an outsider gains access to the inner circle of a famous artist. It captures the intoxicating allure of proximity to fame, while slowly exposing the toxicity that often lies beneath the surface. The film centers around Matthew (Théodore Pellerin), a socially awkward and clearly troubled young man who becomes increasingly obsessed with joining the entourage of up-and-coming music artist Oliver (Archie Madekwe). At first, Matthew is simply a fan who hangs around the fringes, but, as the story develops, it becomes clear that his motivations run deeper — and darker.
Russell’s direction is a tight, no-frills masterclass in controlled tension. Clocking in at just over 100 minutes, there isn’t a wasted moment. The film expertly uses silence, atmosphere, and subtle shifts in tone to keep the viewer on edge. The early scenes are deceptively casual, showing us a group of friends enjoying their creative highs, partying, working on music, and bonding. But that’s the trick: it feels safe until it doesn’t. As the story progresses, the tone subtly shifts, the warmth drains from the room, and we begin to realize that something sinister is brewing beneath Matthew’s quiet demeanor.
Pellerin (Beau Is Afraid) delivers what may be his best performance to date. He embodies Matthew with a sense of vulnerability that gradually gives way to something much more disturbing. His transformation is the heart of the film and is portrayed with eerie believability. What makes his character so compelling is how relatable he is at first. We’ve all felt like outsiders looking in, wanting to be part of something bigger. But Lurker asks a more uncomfortable question: What happens when that desire becomes an obsession?
Archie Madekwe as Oliver in LURKER. Photo courtesy of MUBI. © MUBI.
On the other side of the dynamic is Madekwe (Midsommar) as Oliver, the charismatic and talented musician trying to evolve his sound and maintain artistic integrity in a rapidly changing industry. Madekwe brings nuance and emotional depth to the role, making Oliver both sympathetic and frustrating. He’s a young man under pressure, vulnerable in his own way, and his interactions with Matthew become the emotional anchor of the film.
The chemistry between Pellerin and Madekwe is electric, and much of the film’s tension is built on their increasingly volatile relationship. The supporting cast also brings authenticity to the world, but this is ultimately a two-man show and both actors are at the top of their game.
Much like The Substance (2024), MUBI’s breakout film from last year, Lurker is a sharp reminder that this distribution platform is becoming a major player in the arthouse and indie film scenes. With Lurker, MUBI may have another critical hit on their hands.
Théodore Pellerin as Matthew in LURKER. Photo courtesy of MUBI. © MUBI.
Lurker isn’t just a psychological thriller, it’s a commentary on our parasocial age, where the line between admiration and obsession grows thinner every day. It’s a film about boundaries, power, and the people we let into our lives — and it doesn’t offer easy answers.
Screening during Fantasia International Film Festival 2025.
In U.S. theaters August 22nd, 2025.
In Canadian theaters August 29th, 2025.
For more information, head either to the official Lurker Fantasia International Film Festival or MUBI webpage.
Final Score: 4.5 out of 5.
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Categories: In Theaters, Reviews
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