Filmmaker Kurtis David Harder Dives into the Dark Side of Influencer Culture

Kurtis David Harder, the writer and director of the upcoming film "Influencers," has been exploring the complex world of online personas and the concept of "audience capture." As he explains, this phenomenon occurs when individuals present an idea online and then adjust their messaging based on how their audience responds, leading them to become trapped in a feedback loop.

This theme is central to "Influencers," which serves as a sequel to Harder's 2022 thriller "Influencer." The new film follows the antihero CW, who was left for dead on a deserted island at the end of the first movie. However, CW's story has stuck with Harder, and he has found a creative way to bring her back into the narrative.

In "Influencers," CW is now in a committed relationship with Diane, seemingly distant from her bloodthirsty aspirations. But a chance encounter with a group of influencers while on vacation causes her world to spiral out of control once again. Harder cites a sumptuous mixture of inspirations, blending the thrills of Alfred Hitchcock and Patricia Highsmith with the French New Wave style and classics like "La Piscine."

The filmmaker's goal is to continue exploring the undercurrents of modern society and the ever-changing societal problems that influence our lives. With a larger budget and a more experienced team, "Influencers" promises to deliver an even more visually stunning and suspenseful experience than its predecessor, taking audiences on a wild ride through the world of social media stardom.