‘The Influencer Project’ Review – A Dull, Shallow Slog

“Influencer horror” has seen a massive wave over the last decade. What began with films about influencers, such as Influencer or Sissy, has since evolved into movies that star real-life influencers (House on Eden). Those are just a few of the dozens of features that have escaped containment. Enter Mike Nybroe’s debut feature, The Influencer Project, a film that feels years too late and adds virtually nothing to the conversation.

Presented in a found-footage style featuring imagery from digital cameras, iPhones, and other screens, the film follows real-life UK influencer Chiara King in her first starring role. She’s just arrived in Copenhagen, where she’s been hired to promote various brands. Meanwhile, a film crew documents her adventure. Fun soon turns to terror, though, as King discovers a stalker with the handle King_Stalker. Everywhere she goes, he’s there. Harassing. Threatening. Determined to make King regret that she ever became an influencer.

“Influenced by real events,” begins The Influencer Project. If you rolled your eyes just now, you’re in good company, because same. After some research, I learned the film is loosely based on a stalking experience King suffered. Before I write another word, I want to make clear…that’s awful. No one should ever have to go through that. No one. If you think, well, influencers want attention so they’re “asking for it”, buddy, this film’s about you. You are the asshole.

Because I know King and so many others have experienced a version of what’s presented in The Influencer Project, I wish it were good. I really do. I wish it captured that terror. I wish it stomped the shit out of the internet trolls who enjoy making someone else’s life a living hell. I want so badly to say that this film screams at the top of its lungs with a furious anger at such pieces of shit while delivering something truly memorable and satisfying. Alas, it does none of that.