Like Me

Like Me is an unconventional tale of loneliness, alienation, and the impact of social media on the human psyche. The 2017 independent film, directed by Robert Mockler, stars Addison Timlin as the protagonist, Kiya, along with Ian Nelson and Larry Fessenden in significant roles. The movie blends elements of suspense, drama, and horror, creating a vivid depiction of a society that's increasingly digitized, highlighting the darker aspects of our obsession with the internet and our need for validation.

Aggressively contemporary and intense, Like Me delves into the dystopian underbelly of the social media influencer trend. Addison Timlin's character, Kiya, is a young, confused, and lonely woman undertaking a perverse journey for adoration through the vast online networks. Her estrangement and indifference from society fuelled by her isolation makes Kiya a compelling character, shedding light on the modern-day disconnect between online personas and real life.

Kiya's misadventures begin when, desperate for attention and connections, she starts posting a series of provocative and disturbing videos online. This catapults her into temporary fame, making her a controversial viral sensation overnight. Both adored and loathed by the anonymous masses on the internet, she manipulates these dynamics into an art project of sorts, creating incredible spectacles of alienation, rebellion, and terror.

Simultaneously, Kiya comes across a reclusive motel owner, Marshall (Larry Fessenden), who becomes entrapped in her web of debauchery. She documents her increasingly dangerous encounters, all for her virtual audience who are thirsty for the real, the shocking, and the gory.

Ian Nelson as Burt, a fan and critic, offers a contrast to Kiya's character. Burt's interactions with Kiya challenge her perspective and are integral to the narrative’s progression, signifying the dual impact of social media – the power to unite and divide. Their dynamics bring out the raw emotions and vulnerability that each of their characters encapsulate, manifesting the theme of stark loneliness amplified in the digital age.

Director Robert Mockler remarkably uses his lens to reflect upon our society that is progressively being shaped by the social media phenomenon. Using striking visuals and cerebral storytelling, he challenges the viewer to reflect on the larger questions his characters are grappling with - fame, validation, and personal identity in the digital age. His stylistic choices, amplified by colorful and disorienting visuals, provide an offbeat backdrop for the film's exploration of the aforementioned themes.

Addison Timlin delivers a powerful performance as Kiya, masterfully capturing the complexity of her character – her desperation, her rebellious streak, and her longing for a connection. Timlin's magnetic performance, combined with a unique script, creates a narrative that's as unsettling as it's intriguing. Fessenden's portrayal of Marshall adds another layer to the narrative, embodying the tragic consequences of Kiya's reckless pursuit of internet fame.

Like Me’s gripping music score and artful cinematography further enhance the overall surreal and somewhat unnerving ambiance, contributing significantly to the movie's thematic depth.

In sum, Like Me is an experimental exploration of our relationship with social media and the lengths to which one might go for online validation. It delivers a stark and poignant commentary on our digital age's obsessions and anxieties. With superb performances, stylized visuals, and a provocative premise, this movie provokes viewers to reevaluate the social consequences of our digital interactions and serves as a stark reminder of the desolation that can accompany constant digital connectivity. It’s a must-watch for those looking for insightful cinema that is both thought-provoking and aesthetically arresting.