DVD Corner

Lurker Blu-ray Review

“Lurker” is one of 2025’s most underrated films.  

After writing for hit shows like “Beef,” “Dave,” and “The Bear,” Alex Russell makes his directorial debut with the slow-burn psychological thriller “Lurker” (which he also wrote). The story revolves around a quiet, unassuming, socially awkward clothing store retail clerk (Matthew) who meets a rising pop star in Oliver. Matthew manages to get inside of Oliver’s inner circle to make a documentary film. Although he rubs some of Oliver’s friends the wrong way, Matthew’s work is  legitimate. Things take a dark turn though when Matthew starts to get jealous and competitive with others in Oliver’s entourage leading Matthew to make several decisions that are nothing short of off putting. 

MUBI’s “Lurker” is one of those films that deserves much more attention. It’s a timely indie film set in the modern social media age with a lot of rich themes about obsession, fame, drive, art, toxicity, and manipulation. There’s something very grounded, raw, and even a little intense about this film. As mentioned above it has a slow-burn approach, but it grips you right away with the dynamic between Matthew and pretty much everyone else he encounters. The film is largely through Matthew’s perspective as he navigates this newfound life where he is trying desperately to stay in Oliver’s entourage and advance his career. He’s not merely riding his coattails though as he has a lot to offer with his own documentary/videography as you will see throughout the story. At the same time, he’s clearly an unsettling and toxic person who will go to any lengths to achieve what he wants. This leads to some surprising developments in the story. You’re never quite sure what he will do next and how Oliver will react which is what makes the movie work so well.

On the subject of Oliver and Matthew, actors Archie Madekwe and Théodore Pellerin are electric. Archie Madekwe has really been on a role lately in the likes of “Gran Turismo,” “Saltburn,” and now “Lurker.” He shows a lot of range as an actor and it will be fascinating to see where his career goes next. Canadian actor Théodore Pellerin gives a supremely nuanced, eerie, and realistic performance here as Matthew. The actor has been quietly popping up in a lot of art films like “Beau Is Afraid” and “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” and shows a great deal of promise in the future as well.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? The print has a few defects, but it generally looks sharp in hi-def.

Audio Track: 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How do they sound? Both audio tracks are effective.

No extras. 

March 28, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Archie Madekwe, Indie Film, Lurker Blu-ray Review, MUBI, Théodore Pellerin