Shadows on the Wall

Lurker

Review by Rich Cline | MUST SEE

dir-scr Alex Russell
prd Alex Orlovsky, Duncan Montgomery, Galen Core, Francesco Melzi d'Eril, Jack Selby
with Theodore Pellerin, Archie Madekwe, Zack Fox, Havana Rose Liu, Wale Onayemi, Daniel Zolghadri, Sunny Suljic, Myra Turley, Cam Hicks, Greta Gould, Hannah Christine Shetler, Mikaela Poon
release US 22.Aug.25
25/US 1h40

SUNDANCE FILM FEST
BERLIN FILM FEST

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Expertly shot in an intimate style that puts us right into the protagonist's mindset, this engaging, chilling film takes a fiercely original trip into the world of celebrity. Writer-director Alex Russell astutely reveals the precarious nature of life on the fringes of fame, shifting inventively from comedy to drama to something much darker. So it's riveting as both a character study and as a glimpse behind the curtain.

When rising-star musician Oliver (Madekwe) comes into his Los Angeles thrift shop, Matthew (Pellerin) is surprised when he invites him to his concert. Backstage, he awkwardly hangs with Oliver's entourage, trying to work out how to fit in. Then Oliver invites Matthew to join the team as a photographer, documenting the tour alongside the visibly miffed Noah (Zolghadri). When Oliver is around, everything's good, but when he's away Matthew feels at loose ends. So he quietly tries to secure his place within the hierarchy, worrying that there could be a shattering setback at any moment.

There's a loose unpredictability to Oliver's lifestyle that feels bracingly realistic. Matthew never quite knows when he should be where, but he's figuring out how to remain in Oliver's inner circle. Watching these guys jockey for position is fascinating, as tension arises quickly and favours are granted at random. So of course Matthew feels threatened when his friend Jamie (Suljic) is invited to join the gang on a trip to London. And further power shifts are downright harrowing.

Performances are earthy and natural, with a terrific off-the-cuff sensibility. Pellerin has a bright presence as a genuinely nice guy who is suddenly swimming with sharks. He's happy when he's on the inside, but being outside is miserable. Each member of Oliver's retinue is only as good as their last idea, and the actors beautifully allow the audience to see flickers of fear in their eyes. By contrast, the excellent Madekwe has a loose-limbed, easy charm, living outside the fray. But he also has vulnerabilities.

Everyone seems keenly aware where they are in this food chain, always looking for a way to climb closer to Oliver. And Matthew's connection to him is complex and deeply troubled. This is a riveting exploration of how people find their identity in others, losing themselves in the process. And the target of their attention is merely human, with their own insecurities and failings. There are astute scenes all the way through this film that explore these ideas in provocative and haunting ways.

themes, language, sexuality 26.Aug.25

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