Lurker

Directed by Alex Russell, Lurker follows Théodore Pellerin’s Matthew as he infiltrates the life of a pop star (Archie Madekwe’s Oliver) to increasingly menacing effect. Filmmaker Russell, armed with his own screenplay, delivers an erratic yet mostly watchable endeavor that benefits from its superb performances, as Pellerin’s top-notch (and thoroughly creepy) work goes a long way towards smoothing over the narrative’s bumps and lulls – with Pellerin’s first-class efforts certainly matched by Pellerin’s cocky (yet sympathetic) turn as the charmingly arrogant Oliver. It’s clear, though, that Russell’s somewhat lackadaisical approach, coupled with a premise straight out of a ’90s thriller, does pave the way for a hit-and-miss midsection, and yet there’s little doubt that Lurker grows more and more absorbing as it progresses into a third act rife with memorable sequences – which, thanks also to the inclusion of a satisfying closing stretch, ultimately secures the film’s place as a well-made (and promising) debut feature for Russell.

**1/2 out of ****