For a movie I clicked play on with no small amount of trepidation, I was surprised by how good this flick is. With a title like “Influencer”, I thought it was going to be just another thriller about how chasing likes, shares, and subscribers leads to trouble. Sure, some of that’s in the flick… but it isn’t so predictable.

The movie about a social media type streaming her trip to Thailand. She meets a bold, brash, unapologetic woman – everything she is not – and they become fast friends. But her new friend might have something nefarious planned.

There’s a lot more to say about the plot that I can’t say because the fun is in the telling. This film simply has an unconventional narrative structure that will surprise – and hopefully delight – you. We’re asked to follow and root for – and against – the characters in a fun way. It doesn’t assume the only thing the audience will follow are thriller victims or white hats.

In some respects, the filmmakers must have been a little mad thinking their flick was going to work. While the plot is very different, it shares a structure with a particular classic film that I won’t name. But it’s fun when you see the parallels. I won’t name names… see for yourself.

It’s not all perfect though. While the plot is good, some of the dialog could have been stronger. Plus the nuts ‘n bolts filmmaking isn’t as suspenseful and thrilling as it could have been. It’s a good, solid flick but certainly could have been better.

I was really surprised and please by this film. I liked its characters and the willingness to take a chance. I recommend it to folk who would appreciate a surprising little thriller.

Score: 84