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Ingrid Thorburn is an unhinged social media stalker with a history of confusing “likes” for meaningful relationships. Taylor Sloane is an Instagram-famous “influencer” whose perfectly curated, boho-chic lifestyle becomes Ingrid’s latest obsession. When Ingrid moves to LA and manages to insinuate herself into the social media star’s life, their relationship quickly goes from #BFF to #WTF.
Duration: 98 min
Released: 2017
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10 (27,219 Votes)
Genre: Comedy
Stars: Aubrey Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Wyatt Russell
Directors: Matt Spicer
Writers: David Branson Smith, Matt Spicer
Year: 2017
Ingrid Goes West (2017) - A Dark Comedy Exploring Obsession and Social Media
"Ingrid Goes West" is a sharp, dark comedy film released in 2017, directed by Matt Spicer and co-written by Spicer along with David Branson Smith. The movie offers a satirical yet poignant commentary on social media culture, mental health, and the pursuit of connection in the digital age.
Plot Summary
The story follows Ingrid Thorburn (played by Aubrey Plaza), a deeply troubled young woman who becomes obsessed with Instagram, particularly the life of a glamorous social media influencer named Taylor Sloane (Elizabeth Olsen). After the death of her mother and a resulting psychotic episode, Ingrid moves to Los Angeles to insert herself into Taylor's carefully curated world. She uses social media stalking and deceitful tactics to befriend Taylor, which leads her down a complex path blending fantasy, reality, and mental instability.
What begins as a seemingly innocuous desire for friendship quickly morphs into dangerous obsession, exploring themes of loneliness, loneliness, and the façade people maintain through social media. Unlike typical comedies, "Ingrid Goes West" presents humor with an unsettling edge, prompting viewers to question the authenticity of online personas and the impact of digital validation on real lives.
Main Cast and Characters
Direction and Writing
Matt Spicer, known for his knack for combining humor with topical societal critiques, helms the project with a keen eye on the absurdities and loneliness embedded in modern social media obsession. His direction is balanced and deliberate, allowing the story to unfold with both comedic timing and emotional depth.
Writing credits go to Matt Spicer and David Branson Smith, who skillfully crafted the screenplay to be incisive without being preachy, delving into themes that feel incredibly relevant for the digital era. The dialog is sharp, witty, and often uncomfortable in its honesty—allowing the audience to wrestle with the beautiful and ugly sides of online connectivity.
Critical Reception and Significance
"Ingrid Goes West" was praised for Aubrey Plaza’s standout performance and its insightful critique of social media culture. The film taps into a growing cultural conversation about the psychological impacts of curated digital personas, anxiety about fitting in, and the lengths people will go to find meaningful human connection.
Rather than glamorizing the influencer lifestyle, the movie reveals its hollow underpinnings and the personal costs involved. It blends elements of thriller, comedy, and drama, making it a distinctive entry in the comedy genre and offering audiences a thoughtful reflection on contemporary society.
Conclusion
In summary, "Ingrid Goes West" is a smart, engaging film that examines the complexities of identity and belonging in an age dominated by social media. With powerful performances by Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen, deft direction from Matt Spicer, and a sharp script, the movie resonates deeply with viewers navigating the paradoxical nature of online and offline worlds.
This film is essential viewing for anyone interested in thoughtful cinema that reflects on modern culture with humor and heart.
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