Ingrid Goes West is a 2017 American dark comedy-drama film directed by Matt Spicer. The film revolves around the life of Ingrid Thorburn, played by Aubrey Plaza, who becomes obsessed with a social media influencer named Taylor Sloane, portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen. In her quest for validation and acceptance, Ingrid moves to Los Angeles and begins to imitate Taylor’s lifestyle, seeking to infiltrate her inner circle. This thought-provoking film explores themes of social media obsession, the longing for connection, and the dark side of fame in a relaxed and confident manner.
With its sharp and satirical take on today’s social media-driven culture, Ingrid Goes West offers a refreshing and thought-provoking experience for viewers. The film cleverly examines the consequences of online personas, highlightingshowcasing how such personas can be misleading and detrimental to one’s mental health. With its relatable characters and thoughtfully constructed plot, the film captivates the audience from beginning to end, weaving a story that is both entertaining and meaningful.
Featuring brilliant performances from its talented cast, Ingrid Goes West crafts an authentic and believable world that resonates with viewers. Aubrey Plaza delivers a standout performance as Ingrid, effortlessly capturing the character’s complexity and inner turmoil. Elizabeth Olsen shines as the Instagram influencer, skillfully embodying the duality of someone who appears picture-perfect on the surface but struggles with her own insecurities. This film is a testament to the power of great storytelling and showcases the mastery of its director, Matt Spicer, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Ingrid Goes West 2017 Movie Review
Plot Summary
Ingrid Goes West is a dark comedy film released in 2017 that follows the story of Ingrid Thorburn, a mentally unstable young woman who becomes obsessed with a social media influencer named Taylor Sloane. Ingrid moves to Los Angeles in an attempt to befriend Taylor and immerse herself in Taylor’s seemingly perfect life. As Ingrid’s lies and manipulations escalate, the line between reality and obsession becomes blurred.
DVD/Blu-ray Release
Ingrid Goes West was released on DVD and Blu-ray on November 7, 2017. The home release features bonus content, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
Genre
The film falls under the genre of dark comedy, combining elements of humor with psychological thriller and social commentary.
Director’s Reputation
Ingrid Goes West is directed by Matt Spicer, known for his work in short films and television shows. This film marks Spicer’s feature directorial debut and showcases his unique storytelling style.
Cast
The film stars Aubrey Plaza as Ingrid Thorburn, Elizabeth Olsen as Taylor Sloane, and O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Ingrid’s neighbor and love interest, Dan Pinto. The talented cast delivers compelling performances that bring the characters to life.
Critical Reception
Ingrid Goes West received positive reviews from critics for its sharp writing, strong performances, and timely social commentary. The film explores themes of obsession, identity, and the toxic influence of social media on our lives.
Audience Reception
The film resonated with audiences who appreciated its dark humor and thought-provoking storyline. It sparked conversations about the negative impact of social media and the lengths people go to in order to gain validation and acceptance.
Trailers
The trailers for Ingrid Goes West effectively capture the film’s tone and showcase the performances of the lead actors. They provide a glimpse into the world of Ingrid and the destructive consequences of her obsession.
Themes
Ingrid Goes West explores themes of loneliness, obsession, and the desire for connections in an increasingly digital and superficial world. It delves into the dark side of social media and the dangers of comparing our lives to carefully curated online personas.
Message
The film sends a powerful message about the importance of authentic human connections and the dangers of seeking validation solely through social media. It highlights the need for self-reflection and self-acceptance in a world driven by external validation.
Originality
Ingrid Goes West stands out for its unique and relevant storyline. It takes a bold approach in exposing the dark side of social media culture and offers a fresh perspective on contemporary issues.
Production Values
The film’s production values are impressive, with visually appealing cinematography that enhances the storytelling. The attention to detail in recreating the world of social media influencers adds authenticity to the narrative.
Pacing
The film’s pacing is well-balanced, keeping the audience engaged and invested in the story from start to finish. It effectively builds tension as Ingrid’s actions escalate, culminating in a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion.
Character Development
Ingrid Goes West offers strong character development, particularly in the evolution of Ingrid and her relationships with other characters. The complex and flawed nature of the characters adds depth to the story.
Emotional Impact
The film has a powerful emotional impact, evoking both laughter and discomfort. It explores the emotional toll of obsession and the consequences of chasing superficial validation, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Narrative Structure
The narrative structure of Ingrid Goes West is well-crafted, with a clear progression that keeps the audience engaged. It skillfully navigates between comedy and drama, effectively balancing the film’s tone.
Cultural Context
Ingrid Goes West offers a satirical look at modern society’s obsession with social media and the curated image of perfection. It comments on the influence of technology and the illusion of connection in an increasingly disconnected world.
Soundtrack
The film’s soundtrack complements the story, with carefully selected songs that enhance the mood and atmosphere of each scene. It adds another layer of emotional depth to the film.
Cinematography
The cinematography in Ingrid Goes West is visually appealing, capturing the vibrant and superficial world of social media influencers. The use of color and composition enhances the storytelling and contributes to the film’s overall aesthetic.
Scriptwriting
The script of Ingrid Goes West is sharp and witty, delivering clever dialogue that captures the essence of each character. It effectively blends humor with thought-provoking social commentary.
Character Chemistry
The chemistry between the characters in the film feels authentic and natural. The interactions between Ingrid, Taylor, and Dan are filled with tension, humor, and moments of genuine connection.
Worldbuilding
The film creates a believable world that reflects the reality of social media culture. It delves into the intricacies of online personas and the lengths people go to project a perfect image.
Social Commentary
Ingrid Goes West offers insightful social commentary on the impact of social media on mental health and personal relationships. It exposes the superficiality of the social media world and encourages viewers to question the influence of technology in their own lives.
Subtext
Beneath its dark humor and satirical approach, Ingrid Goes West explores deeper themes of self-worth, identity, and the search for true connection. It invites viewers to reflect on their own relationships with social media and the validation they seek from it.
Casting Choices
The casting choices in Ingrid Goes West are spot-on, with each actor bringing their respective characters to life. Aubrey Plaza shines in her portrayal of Ingrid, expertly capturing the complexities of her character’s obsession.
Tone
The film strikes a delicate balance between its comedic elements and its more serious undertones. The tone is darkly humorous, highlighting the absurdity of Ingrid’s actions while also exploring the darker consequences of her behavior.
Suspense
Ingrid Goes West maintains a sense of suspense throughout, keeping the audience on edge as they question the outcome of Ingrid’s destructive behavior. The film effectively builds tension, culminating in a climactic finale.
Relevance
The film’s themes and messages remain highly relevant in today’s society, where social media has a profound impact on our lives. Ingrid Goes West serves as a cautionary tale, urging viewers to critically examine their own relationship with technology and social media.
Cultural Representation
Ingrid Goes West depicts a specific subculture within modern society – that of social media influencers. While not representative of all individuals, the film shines a light on the pursuit of fame and validation through curated online personas.
Impact
Ingrid Goes West made a lasting impact on viewers, sparking conversations about the influence of social media on mental health and personal relationships. The film encourages reflection and critical thinking about our own online behaviors.
Entertainment Value
The film delivers solid entertainment value, combining dark humor, compelling performances, and a thought-provoking storyline. It keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end, providing a captivating viewing experience.
Personal Preference
Personal preference may vary, but for those seeking a unique and provocative film that raises important questions about the role of social media in our lives, Ingrid Goes West is a must-watch. It offers a fresh perspective and leaves a lasting impression on its audience.
In conclusion, Ingrid Goes West is a dark comedy film that explores themes of obsession and the negative impact of social media on mental health and personal relationships. With its strong performances, sharp writing, and timely social commentary, the film provides a thought-provoking viewing experience.