Influence 2026 Film | A Good Film That Runs Out of Steam

Influence (2026) wastes no time wrapping you in Patricia’s world. We see her anxiously practice social interactions ahead of time; we watch her scroll through an inbox full of emails rejecting her script; we see her sob in the car as hopelessness overwhelms her. 

It’s easy to relate to Patricia, a filmmaker who just can’t seem to catch a break. 

“I try and try and try, and nobody gives a sh*t, and I don’t know what to do.”

So when she serendipitously crosses paths with popular lifestyle influencer Ashley, the perfect potential lead actress for her script, it feels like fate has finally thrown Patricia a bone. 

We enter this dreamy fantasy realm, so beautifully crafted with sun-washed lighting, delicate music, and slo-mo editing. 

The cinematography oscillates between hope and disappointment, from dreamy to ominous, from light to shadows. All elements of the camera, lights, music, and editing work harmoniously to engulf you in Patricia’s whirlwind of emotions. 

But when the film hits its climactic point, the moment that all of these tug-of-war emotions have been building towards, we’re let off the rollercoaster ride into a land that’s not as exciting as the journey itself. 

Influence 2026 Film Review

Desperate for a breakthrough in her filmmaking career, Patricia kidnaps a social media influencer to threaten her into playing the lead role in her latest project. 

What Works in Influence

The technical aspects of the film work together effortlessly. Every camera angle, lighting choice, editing decision, and musical moment feels intentional – like an underlying story fellow cinematographers may see that the general audience might not fully register. 

The casting choices work just as seamlessly. Each actor believably embodies their character. 

Cheyenne Perez’s relatable, quirky, naturally humorous portrayal of Patricia reads so authentically; it’s easy to see ourselves or our friends in her. She has that underdog quality that makes you want to root for her. 

Grace Kaufman looks like Sydney Sweeney and Hailee Steinfeld had a baby, so looks-wise, she fits the bill as a social media influencer. She sits in her identity easily, not overdoing the role but bringing a real groundedness and humanity. That grounded quality is juxtaposed nicely against the hilarious Emily Hall, who plays an entitled wellness influencer whose videos Patricia edits for money – and who happens to be the unconventional “voice of God” for Patricia’s actions and choices. 

The tone of the film is well established as a psychological thriller, but it balances that with moments of levity, which works well for those of us who don’t like to delve too deep into the dark side. 

Writer and director Ryan Moore clearly knows how to make an independent film feel like a high-budget experience. Watching Patricia fawn over the intricacies of a seven-hour-long Criterion film and expertly trim the slightest pauses and inconsistencies in video edits, it’s hard not to wonder how much of this story directly parallels the director’s own life. It feels like Moore uses Patricia as an outlet for the struggles many filmmakers endure. A filmmaker’s dark fantasy. A “what if?”

The pacing is so strong in the first half, making this unique story incredibly engaging. It’s easy to get wrapped into it. The plot skillfully uses a flash-forward scene to reel the audience in instantly, which is what later makes it disheartening to find yourself zoning out through the second half. 

What Doesn’t Work in Influence

I really was rooting for this film because it was clearly handled with deliberate intention and care. But plot-wise (and I’m a plot-heavy critic), too many loose strings are left untied. One of the biggest shortcomings is the consistency of the plot: the fast pace of the beginning gives way to a sluggish second half that undercuts the momentum built up for it. 

The dynamic storytelling techniques used early on weren’t used again in the ending, which needed more impact. Supporting characters who felt present and important in the first half never returned to fulfill a purpose. 

We missed a lot of full-circle opportunities, which could be an intentional choice, but that choice didn’t feel satisfying.  

Similarly, a lot of build-up surrounding Patricia’s mental stability – all the little hints we’re given – never pays off in a conclusion that pulls those fascinating details together. 

The beginning sets up various directions the story could veer, given everything we’re shown, but the ending isn’t a culmination of any of it. Instead, the ending feels like a cop-out – a bid for shock value that wasn’t properly earned beforehand. 

The relationship between Patricia and Ashley also fails to live up to its potential. There was an attempt at depth that didn’t quite resonate. 

On top of that, things stop making sense logistically regarding Patricia’s kidnapping methods. After some time, the only reasonable explanation for Ashley still being under Patricia’s comically shaky and penetrable control several hours later is hyper-accelerated Stockholm syndrome.

That enjoyable dance of dream vs reality established early on is abandoned midway through the film and doesn’t evolve into something equally as enjoyable. 

This gap shows up most clearly in the press release, which states the story’s significance: “two people trapped by the versions of themselves they’ve created.” 

While Influence excels at illustrating the imaginary world Patricia has trapped herself in, Ashley’s world is less vividly painted and integrated into Patricia’s narrative, which keeps the central theme from carrying as much weight.

In Conclusion…

Influence is enjoyable for those who love a little psychological thrill with a dash of humor. With relatable characters, stunning cinematography, and strong tone, this film is quick to win your emotional investment.

But the areas you’d expect your mind to bend are barely stretched, and the film leaves quite a bit of potential unmet.

If the whole film was as captivating as the introduction, this film could easily be a cinephile’s latest obsession. 

Rating: 6.7/10

Influence is available on North American digital HD internet, DVD, cable, and satellite platforms: Check it out!

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Peace, love, and lots of popcorn,

IMO

Last Updated on 09/14/2026 by IMO Flicks