Follow Her is another addition in the recent string of social media thrillers. Jess Peters (writer Dani Barker) is an aspiring influencer who seems to have found her gimmick. She secretly films the creepy encounters she has through online job listings. Her next offer is the chance to write the ending of an erotic thriller. Their meeting turns into a deadly cat and mouse in which all boundaries are pushed.
Unlike similar entries, the film takes on a psycho-sexual aspect. The cold open gives a taste of what is to come, but as Follow Her continues the erotic elements escalate. It is a nice change that is a throwback to classic erotic thrillers. There is a sense of danger and sex that transforms the audience into another one of Jess’s subscribers.
With the exception of POV horror, the mix of social media and suspense is difficult. Follow Her gets around the issue by focusing on the story while followers and the internet are a constant part of the backdrop. Livestreams and cell phones are the only clues the movie is part of the 21st century. The use of hidden cameras is something out of another decade.
It is a refreshing decision that allows audiences to get caught up in the ever tightening suspension. Once the plot fully kicks in, it becomes a primarily two person show. Follow Her is about getting to know Jessie and Tom (Luke Cook). There is some odd decision making that ends up being forced into the final moments, but Barker and Cook have great chemistry and keep things engaging. Jess is an especially interesting character. Every time it looks like she is making headway, something happens to make her life more difficult. That being said, circumstances do not make her a sympathetic person. Still, she is written in a way that makes her likeable.
Follow Her has a risky ending that ties into the bigger theme. Throughout everything that happens, the ethical boundaries of social media continually comes up. While never subtle, the issue is relegated to a passing comment or scene. The finale puts everything front and central while leaving anyone watching wondering how far people will go for fame.
Follow Her comes to select theaters and VOD June 2
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