British actor Archie Madekwe, known for his roles in Gran Turismo, Saltburn, and Midsommar, brought depth and intensity to his latest role in Lurker, a psychological thriller featured in the Special selection at the Berlin Film Festival. Reflecting on his preparation for the role, Madekwe noted that researching the male-dominated world of musicians revealed surprising levels of toxic masculinity and complex power dynamics that heavily influenced his portrayal.
In Lurker, Madekwe plays Oliver, a successful pop star who becomes entangled in a psychological battle with Matthew, a seemingly ordinary retail worker and obsessive fan, portrayed by Canadian actor Theodore Pellerin. What starts as a seemingly innocent encounter gradually morphs into a tense struggle for control and influence. The gripping tension between the two characters reflects broader themes of dominance and manipulation, offering a chilling look at the darker side of fame and fandom.
Madekwe, who also served as a producer on the project, contrasted the oppressive dynamics in the film with his own experiences in the acting industry, where he has not faced the same toxic male environments.
The film is the directorial debut of Alex Russell, known for his writing and producing contributions to acclaimed shows like The Bear and Beef. Drawing from personal experiences living and working in Los Angeles, Russell crafted a narrative that, while dramatized, feels eerily grounded in reality. He emphasized that although the story delves into extremes, nothing depicted in the film falls outside the realm of possibility.
Filmed in Los Angeles for added authenticity, Lurker faced real-world setbacks, as the primary filming location was destroyed in the devastating LA fires last month. Despite this, the film has garnered significant attention since its critically praised premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
Critics have lauded Lurker for its unsettling portrayal of obsession and manipulation. The Guardian awarded the film four out of five stars, while The Hollywood Reporter described it as “a wicked spin on the fame game.” This chilling exploration of power, control, and vulnerability solidifies Lurker as a must-watch psychological thriller.
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