Lurker (2025)

«The Clinger», a 2025 drama by director Alex Russell, promises to be a disturbing exploration of human obsession. The film immerses the viewer in a world where the fine line between admiration and danger, the desire for closeness with an idol and stalking, blurs. The title accurately reflects the uncomfortable narrative, foreshadowing a struggle for survival.

Plot (no spoilers)

At the heart of the story is a retail employee whose life takes on an obsessive meaning in the quest to penetrate the inner circle of a rising music star. The initial desire for access and closeness to the idol gradually transforms into an existential struggle. As the protagonist delves deeper into the artist's orbit, the stakes rise: the very concept of access becomes a matter of life and death. This is a narrative about how idealization turns into stalking, and admiration into a dangerous fixation, exploring the dark corners of human striving for belonging.

Why watch

• Intense psychological depth: A deep dive into the characters' motives and internal conflicts.
• Relevant theme: An exploration of fan obsession and the desire for celebrity "accessibility."
• Strong ensemble cast: Featuring Cam Hicks, Brian Niles, Olawale Onayemi, Archie Madekwe, Daniel Zolghadri, Sunny Suljic, Chaize Macklin, Théodore Pellerin, Zack Fox, and Havana Rose Liu.
• High-stakes drama: The plot's evolution from a desire for closeness to a question of life and death.

Themes

«The Clinger» touches upon fundamental themes: obsession as a driving force and destructive passion, ambition and its price, the nature of fame and its influence, and the danger of violating personal boundaries. The film explores how the desire for approval and recognition can distort the perception of reality, turning a dream into a nightmare and demonstrating how far a person is willing to go for an unattainable ideal.

Verdict

«The Clinger» 2025 appears to be an uncompromising drama capable of captivating viewers from the very first minutes. If you appreciate cinema that makes you ponder the dark sides of human nature, the boundaries between admiration and madness, and the fragility of success, this film will be a must-watch. Director Alex Russell offers a sharp critique of a society where access to celebrity can become an end in itself, leading to fatal consequences.