Influencers is bigger but not always better, as it lacks the realism present in the first film, choosing instead to increase the drama and forgo answering questions.
Influencers shifts the tone to more whimsical horror, but ratchets up the drama as the killer finds the woman who got the upper hand on her in the first film’s climax hunting her down. It’s shocking in sections, frustrating in others, as it gallops then trots to its end. Although not scary, it works as more of a cat-and-mouse thriller. Influencers is bigger but not always better, as it lacks the realism present in the first film, choosing instead to increase the drama and forgo answering questions.
Written and directed by Kurtis David Harder (Influencer, Spiral), the movie continues from the first, focusing on the perspective of the serial killer, CW, played by Cassandra Naud (It’s a Wonderful Knife, Influencer). At the start of the film, she’s living a happy life with her girlfriend, Diane, performed by Lisa Delmar (Survive). Unfortunately, it seems her obsession with influencers is inescapable, creating a “matter of time” situation. To increase the mayhem, survivor Madison, played by Emily Tennant (The Wish Swap, All I Need for Christmas), from the first film, is hot on her trail, determined to bring her to justice.
Influencers Focuses More on CW’s Perspective
The movie starts with CW and her relationship with Diane. Here, it’s an odd look into CW’s psyche, complete with her usual manipulative machinations. However, with this deeper delve, there is a distinct lack of depth. She checks the villain box. We see her unravel when she and her girlfriend meet an influencer, Charlotte, played by Georgina Campbell (Barbarian, The Watchers), during their romantic getaway. But the origin remains a mystery.
But Influencers does not do enough to explore CW’s past and why and how she became who she is. There’s no explanation of where her hate and penchant for slaughter comes from. Mystery is all good and well, but focusing on the killer’s perspective with little emotional range leaves it feeling pointless.
Tonal Shift Harms the Film
Influencer was sleek and fun with plenty of tension. Content creators or even regular people disappearing while traveling gave it an authentic feel. Yet, the sequel changes that tone and realism in exchange for almost comedically violent hijinks. It’s not bad. But the shift disconcerts the viewer. It feels like the creator drew inspiration from films like Ready or Not to lean more into the fantastical.
Influencers has a lot going for it with the return of CW, but it loses steam occasionally before restarting its engine. The shift of tone is at times funny, but at other times it’s unintentionally, oddly creepy. So, certain scenes’ tones feel out of place with the overall wacky horror this movie exudes.
Fun But Too Much Lacks Belief
There is plenty of fun to be had with Influencers. From the shocking opening that borders on dramatics akin to the start of Ready or Not, to its wild fury-unlocked ending, the movie has plenty for viewers to enjoy. But some scenes and moments feel unbelievable. There’s the question of how CW escapes an island that she’s left people on. While the movie pokes fun at it, it still needs answering. Plus, no one believing Madison about CW’s existence when CW has an easily identifiable mark on her face raises eyebrows. Lastly CW’s manipulative tactics in this film are far less impressive. Influencers is a fun sequel, but it it’s a diminished return, unable to surpass the stylish mayhem of the first.
