Title – Lurker (2025)

Director – Alex Russell (feature debut)

Cast – Archie Madekwe, Théodore Pellerin, Sunny Suljic

Plot – Softly spoken and introverted Matthew (Pellerin) finds himself in the inner circle of rising music star Oliver’s (Madekwe) entourage, setting in motion a series of increasingly tense moments in the two’s budding friendship and working relationship.  

“Keep your friends close”

Review by Eddie on 18/03/2026

Having worked on prominent TV shows The Bear and Beef, writer/director Alex Russell has for his debut feature Lurker, crafted an intense and unnerving viewing experience that allows rising stars Archie Madekwe and Théodore Pellerin time to shine in this slow-paced psychological thriller.

Calling to mind the likes of Blink Twice, You Were Never Really Here and another Madekwe starring affair Saltburn, Lurker isn’t afraid to get weird and throw its audience into the deep end, as Russell explores the uneasy friendship and working relationship between Madekwe’s rising music star Oliver and new offsider Matthew, mysteriously played by Pellerin.

The type of experience that takes a less is more approach when it comes to sharing in depth details about character motivations and happenings, it’s clear to see from the get go that the interplay between Oliver and Matthew is going to lead to some interesting situations and outcomes and as the puzzle pieces begin to fall into place in the films final act, you can see how Russell is wanting us to feel about proceedings that shine a light on modern pop culture and people’s quests to be seen.

While motivations remain somewhat murky and true selves hidden for much of Lurker’s running time, by the time the key figures of Oliver and Matthew are unravelled there’s much to unpack, even if it’s a shame Madekwe and Pellerin’s committed performances, the films neat visual style and Kenny Beats atmospheric score aren’t matched overall by a film that at times feels like it’s teasing something without the satisfactory answer/conclusion.

With a few narrative coincidences that don’t always add up and leaps of faith that are asked to be had by viewers, Lurker’s somewhat pedestrian middle section and undercooked plot teases do hold it back from being great when it settles for being good, even though it’s clear to see that all key players responsible for bringing Lurker to life are set for great things.

After a low-key but respected debut in the 2025 arthouse scene, Lurker may struggle to ever launch into the mainstream movie going publics radar but as an industry calling card, Russell’s debut is set to act as a major reason why many involved in it are sought for big projects yet to come.

Final Say –

Not always able to bring everything together in a way it threatens to, Lurker is a modern-day exploration of fame, desire and obsession that provides enough to warrant a viewing.

3 farm video shoots out of 5