The Reel Review
A sociopathic serial killer with frighteningly good AI computer skills continues her killing rampage of social media influencers at exotic destinations across the globe, with the influencer she tried to frame for her prior murders in Thailand hot on her trail. Cassandra Naud and Emily Tennant reprise their roles in this sequel to the 2022 mystery/thriller.
Writer/director Kurtis David Harder again showcases some impressively slick production, trippy camerawork and stunning visuals of exotic locales (the South of France and Bali) in this rollercoaster ride of a thriller, which pokes fun at the vacuousness of social media influencers while also shining a spotlight on influencers who appear to be politically conservative for financial gain, loathsome far-right young men with their toxic masculinity, and the murkiness of facts versus conspiracy theories on the internet. If definitely helps to have seen the prior film to get an idea of just how diabolical our stalker/killer is. Georgina Campbell (Barbarian) also appears as a social media influencer.
By design, the third act goes off the rails with an all-out killing rampage and a battle royale between the two leads, which brings the film’s shocking opening scene full circle. While a bit silly, it is still gruesomely entertaining with loads of dark humor and convincing performances. Make sure not to miss those closing credits, as it sets the stage for what will almost certainly be another sequel.
REEL FACTS
• Canadian writer/director Kurtis David Harder’s film credits include Influencer, Summerland, Spiral, Incontrol, and Cody Fitz.
• Canadian Emily Tennant is best known for playing school reporter Ivy Young in the 2011 teen sitcom Mr. Young.
• The movie poster of Canadian actress Cassandra Naud is one of the few shots in the film where her nevus (facial birthmark) is not visible. Naud is an advocate for embracing beauty in its many shapes and forms and is a co-founder of Somedays, an LGBTQ+ organization that helps people manage menstrual pain.
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