Making connections in the music industry is explored in a deeply immersive way in Lurker. This film comes from the mind of director writer, producer, and director Alex Russell (producer of The Bear and Beef). A film where obsession hits a deadly path that is hard to follow but just keeps going. An odyssey of fame and popularity that seeks growth within the depths of the film’s writing and characterizations. The story is a a stunning portrait of favoritism that is mind-boggling with competition. The music industry creates an environment in Lurker where the competition and envy feel surreal. 

The plot of the film focuses on a boy named Matthew, played by Theodore Pellerin. Matthew is a regular retail store employee in California who has a solitary life yet fancies his creative side when he is able. His life changes instantly when he becomes part of a crew for an artist that is on his way to fame. That artist is Oliver, played by Archie Madekwe. Matthew finds himself in the mix while helping to shoot footage and hanging out withOliver’s cool gang. However, plateaus are encountered because fame becomes everything for both Matthew and Oliver. At the same time, the popularity Matthew seeks is what he utilizes to his advantage. This leads to turmoil that becomes life-threatening.

Russell’s directing features layers of competition that keep the portrait of trial-and-error in focus during Lurker. I thought a lot about how the series The Bear showcases competitive moments in the kitchen with culinary stuff. The difference is the industry. Every small measure seems to be taken extra seriously in the music industry. Russell’s artistic eye creates a silent obsession for Matthew that grows dangerously in Lurker.

The film feels mentally disturbing. It is not very violent, but it captures the stressors through its characterizations of disconnect. When Matthew starts feeling unwanted within the team, thingsspiral. Russell’s cinematography fuels the emotion sparked byan outsider wanting more of the credit success in the music industry. The common ground in this film are the conflicts andthe dynamics required to keep fame and popularity on the rise.

What audiences will feel is the frustration between Matthew and Oliver. Matthew wants to feel cool and connected. Oliver wants to keep his fame on the horizon. Deep down the mental struggles and stressors of human values are at the core. Fame and agreements are the central flaws, but Matthew’s loneliness fuels the fire. The high life that Matthew never anticipated to have a mess with his choices. Matthew mixed feelings about his reputation because in his mind the generosity coming towards him feels fake.

With music, friends, and connections, desperation is at the center of Lurker. Matthew’s choices of Matthew appear to be irreparable, but at the same time his creative value is at the core of his choices. The film has a vivid and compelling vibe. Lurker is an intriguing portrait of how reality can be seen through the eyes of an artist. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

This film’s theme is escapism where the goal is to live life to the fullest. The writing is poetic and the cinematography blends the emotions on three teenage girls’ surreal journey. How to Have Sex is a powerful and exhilarating adventure on a grand level. Director Molly Walker brings her audience into an audacious world of teenagers. The non-stop partying starts in the film’s introduction and barely ever stops. Despite the challenging obstacles portrayed in the movie, the realism is effective. How to Have Sex reminds audiences of what it’s like to be young and go on new adventures. The various adventures in How to Have Sex leads to slippery slopes and many mesmerizing revelations.

The three girls are Tara (played by Mia McKenna-Bruce), Skye (played by Laura Peake), and Em (played by Enva Lewis). They are best friends having a summer getaway at a hotel in Greece. They are the life of the party because they party like there is no tomorrow, drink like crazy, and always seek connections. They meet two boys, Badger (played by Shaun Thomas) and Paddy (played by Samuel Bottomley). Badger and Paddy become guides for the girls to help them keep the party going. They bring them to more parties, participate in all kinds of drinking activities, and together build a sense of connection. The concernis how much everyone parties and how much their judgment is impacted.

Tara finds herself in the most turmoil. She feels disconnected from reality and lacking in accomplishment. She uses the partying to cope with her own mental issues. Tara’s emotional journey is featured in How to Have Sex, but it is not just a sexual ride like many would assume based on the film’s title. It is, however, a representation of teenage life which is a time when many search for connection.

Youthful vibes flow freely in How to Have Sex. While exploring sexual curiosities and feelings of disconnection in the film, there are moments in which it may seem that the boys take advantage of the girls. Some behaviors have a more profound impact on others, especially Tara who is most fragile. Boundaries are a struggle for her.

The film is a portrait of adolescents seeking fulfillment. There is still a sense of innocence in How to Have Sex. The excessive partying leads to mental burnout, but that does not stop these wild teenagers from enjoying this time in their lives. Their impaired judgment leads to big questions. Do they know what they are doing? Is there a sense of happiness that is going unfulfilled? Do they feel that life is short? How to Have Sex is a journey of desperation and loneliness.

There are different moments when Tara, Sky, and Em face frustration. Each individual questions how their trip is going in different scenes of the film. Nevertheless, they just keep going to the parties as a coping mechanism. The writing makes it clear that the party scene is the place where the film’s characters can be built.

The constant partying provides the fuel in How to Have Sex. While there is plenty of talk about the girls wanting to lose their virginity, that is not the primary focus of the story. The film effectively offers a realistic look at the lives of teenage girls and shines faithfully as an artistic masterpiece. Three and a half out of four stars for How to Have Sex.