INSTAKILLER

Instakiller is a 2018 suspense-filled thriller directed by Craig Goldstein. This gripping drama comes with a riveting plot line that speaks to the dangers of social media, a subject of relevance in today’s society. The core cast features Kelly Sullivan, Lizze Broadway, and Shawn Christian, who bring to life a story of deception, identity theft, blackmail, and murder on social platforms.

Kelly Sullivan, known for her performances in gripping dramas, takes center stage as Diane. A single parent, Diane worries incessantly about her daughter and tries to instill in her the understanding of the perils of the cyber world. Diane’s daughter Lani, played with youthful exuberance by Lizze Broadway, is a typical teenager with dreams of celebrity status. She is smitten by the possibilities that social media platforms offer, allowing people to achieve instant fame. Shawn Christian, adds another layer to the narrative portraying an extraneous character, whose involvement intensifies the plot.

Lani’s obsession with social media and growing popularity puts her on the radar of a dubious figure. The stranger sees a chance to exploit Lani’s newfound stardom for his sinister purposes. Being a popular face on Instagram, Lani gets a sponsorship deal, a ticket to fame that she had been waiting for. However, as the happy turn of events compels Lani to move to Los Angeles, things start to take a frightening turn. What seemed like a fairytale rise to stardom begins to hint at an alarming alternate reality.

The story takes a gripping turn when an overprotective Diane begins to suspect that their lucky break may not be as fortunate as it seems. Diane's intuition tells her that the stranger who offered her daughter the golden chance is not who he seems to be, and she starts investigating him.

Diane’s determined pursuit to uncover the truth leads to a detailed and gritty portrayal of the dark side of the web. It highlights how the virtual world can be manipulative and deceptive, matched with destructive consequences for the reckless and vulnerable.

The movie deserves a mention for offering an astute critique of the media-saturated world we live in, where sharing information and needing validation from unknown individuals has become the order of the day. Additionally, it reminds viewers of the times we live in, an era dominated by the internet and technology, where people often overlook the threats that go hand in hand with these advances.

The cinematography of 'Instakiller' is praiseworthy, capturing the scenic beauty of the city of Los Angeles, and intentionally contrasting it with the unappealing narrative of cybercrime. The background score of the film delivers the required suspense and tension that perfectly supports the plot.

The director, Craig Goldstein’s unique narrative style, turns the film into a captivating thriller, blending real-life scenarios with sufficient drama. The leading stars of the film, Kelly Sullivan and Lizze Broadway share a compelling on-screen chemistry, making their mother-daughter relationship feel authentic and heartfelt through their performances.

In a nutshell, 'Instakiller' isn't your average tech thriller. Right from its title till the credits roll, this film is an engaging exploration into the unnerving, shadowy side of social media and digital fame. The central theme kept intact throughout leaves viewers with a significant message, making the movie more than just an entertaining watch.

The movie’s suspense-laden narrative commands the audience's attention throughout its entire length and delivers a chilling reflection of today’s internet-dominated culture. This is coupled with commendable performances by the lead characters, making 'Instakiller' a must-see for those who appreciate an edge-of-the-seat thriller that combines societal relevance and on-point performances. Through a convincing narrative and credible acting, 'Instakiller' succeeds in driving home the critical message of internet safety and the dangers lurking in the unseen corners of cyberspace.