A remarkably nuanced, clever film about the dangers of social media and some of the insecurities of mental health.
An unhinged social media stalker moves to LA and insinuates herself into the life of an Instagram star.
Billed as comedy I was dreading watching Ingrid Goes West, yet I was immediately enthralled by the performance of Aubrey Plaza. Her mentally unstable character doesn’t make you laugh, but you do feel sorry for her. Elizabeth Olsen is more deviously charming, a devil like character, who perfectly captures the “fake-ness” of an Instagram star. O’Shea Jackson Jr, Billy Magnussen and Wyatt Russell round out the strong supporting cast.
The script seems conventional and it would’ve been easy for this film to fail. It doesn’t sound good and the marketing is non-existent. If not for the notable cast I wouldn’t have given this a second look. However, the way the writers flesh out these concepts seems relatable, yet dangerous. Social media in this case is almost its own character. Matt Spicer directs the film well, however there are some questionable music choices.
Overall a good film that I fear will be overlooked.
4 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Rialto Distribution