If you've ever scrolled through Instagram and felt a mix of envy and secondhand embarrassment for the influencers documenting their every move, Netflix's latest thriller Influencer is tailor-made for you. Directed by Kurtis David Harder, this 92-minute psychological thriller takes the glossy world of social media stardom and flips it into something deeply unsettling—and utterly bingeable.
The story follows Madison (Emily Tennant), a social media influencer who jets off to Thailand for what looks like a dream vacation. But behind the perfectly filtered posts, she's actually alone and miserable after her flaky boyfriend bailed on the trip. Enter CW (Cassandra Naud), a fellow backpacker who rescues Madison from an awkward encounter at a resort bar. CW seems like the perfect travel buddy: grounded, street-smart, and endlessly helpful. But as the two spend more time together, it becomes clear that CW harbors a deep resentment for Madison's online obsession—and her motives are far from pure.
A Cringe-Worthy Protagonist You Can't Look Away From
Madison is the kind of character you love to hate. She films cringe-worthy vlogs at scenic viewpoints, documents every meal, and can't go five minutes without checking her phone. It's this very behavior that makes her such a compelling target. Harder doesn't just rely on cheap jump scares; instead, he builds tension through Madison's obliviousness and CW's quiet, simmering disdain. The result is a thriller that feels uncomfortably real, especially for anyone who's ever rolled their eyes at an over-sharer on social media.
After a night of drinking, Madison returns to her hotel room to find it ransacked and her passport stolen. CW swoops in to save the day again, offering food, shelter, and a mysterious surprise. But as Madison becomes increasingly dependent on her new friend, the power dynamic shifts. CW knows the area, speaks the language, and seems to have an uncanny ability to anticipate Madison's needs—and her weaknesses.
A Twist That Will Leave You Breathless
The film's most chilling scene takes place on a secluded island, where CW calmly lays out her plan for Madison. It's not a threat; it's a quiet, matter-of-fact promise. The audience knows something terrible is coming, but the slow burn makes it all the more effective. A simple image of five scratches carved into a log hints at a dark history, and the payoff is both shocking and satisfying.
What sets Influencer apart from other social media thrillers is its commitment to character. Both Tennant and Naud deliver performances that never veer into parody. Madison is cringe-worthy but sympathetic, while CW is terrifying precisely because she's so calm and collected. The film avoids clichés, instead offering a nuanced exploration of envy, identity, and the dark side of digital validation.
If you're looking for a quick, gripping watch that will make you think twice about your own social media habits, Influencer is the perfect late-night binge. It's a reminder that sometimes the most dangerous people are the ones who seem the most helpful—and that not everything is as picture-perfect as it appears online.
For more binge-worthy thrillers, check out our list of the best Netflix series with 4 episodes or less or dive into forgotten mystery shows that are perfect from start to finish.
