‘Influencer’ Blu-Ray Review – Twisty Social Media Thriller May Convince You To Log Off

While struggling on a solo backpacking trip, social media influencer Madison meets CW, who shows her a more uninhibited way of living. But CW’s interest in Madison takes a darker turn.

For in-depth thoughts on Influencer, please see my colleague Mike Vaughn’s review from its original streaming release here. 

Video Quality

The film debuts on Blu-Ray with a 1080p presentation in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio which proves to be a top-tier presentation of the work. The movie has a dazzling color palette that is consistently saturated with bold colors in the modern interiors and the unforgettable tropic landscapes. There are also flourishes in the lighting that radiate off the screen. The transfer likewise never lacks in detail or clarity with subtle aspects on display in the production design and makeup effects. The transfer traverses the shadows to provide deep black levels that do not exhibit crush or other shortcomings. Objects hold up favorably in darkness and retain their depth with minimal banding at hand. There is no damage or digital noise on display in this transfer. Shudder has treated this one very well by giving it a glorious HD presentation. 

Audio Quality

Influencer arrives on Blu-Ray with a formidable DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track in the original English. One of the most prominent aspects is the soundtrack, and every musical moment comes through with the utmost fidelity. This extends well into the track’s low end and provides some vital texture to set the mood. Dialogue and an array of sound effects stay capably balanced throughout the duration. All elements play well together where nothing gets muddled in the track. Surround channels make the locale feel lived-in. This track accomplishes everything that is asked of it with ease, and fans who pick this one up should be more than pleased. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided. 

Special Features

• Audio Commentaries: Two new commentary tracks are provided that tackle the film from both a technical angle and a personal lens. The filmmaker provides some great insights into the production process on both tracks, and his guests expand things quite engagingly. Both are worth a listen. 

• • Audio Commentary #1: Director Kurtis Harder and Cinematographer David Schurrman

• • Audio Commentary #2: Director Kurtis Harder and Actresses Emily Tennant and Cassandra Naud

• Deleted and Extended Scenes: There is a collection of nearly eight minutes of unused material provided. 

• Behind The Scenes Footage: An hour-long look at the production of the film featuring tons of fly-on-the-wall footage, zoom calls, and more. 

• Proof of Concept Footage: A three-minute collection of footage from the 2019 location scouting. 

• Original Teaser (0:19)

• Original Trailer (1:51)

• Booklet: A multi-page booklet featuring the essay “As the Sand Crabs Eat Your Flesh: Unmasking the Technological Horrors and Superficial Social Media in Influencer” from film critic Molly Henery is provided here. This piece gives a well-rounded analysis of the themes of the film. 

Final Thoughts

Influencer is a taut horror-thriller that tackles the buzzy topic of social media consumption and finds a unique angle that allows the impact of the topic to land forcefully. The film is twisty yet stands strong even after the revelations come forth. The performances are quite good, especially the unsettling psychopathy of Cassandra Naud. This is a strong standout from the stable of Shudder original outings. Shudder has released a Blu-Ray featuring a favorable A/V presentation and an excellent assortment of special features. Recommended 

Influencer is currently available to purchase on Standard Edition Blu-Ray or with a Limited Edition Slipcover exclusively through Vinegar Syndrome. 

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Shudder and OCN Distribution have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.