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Crime thriller

Lurker (2025): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Lurker (2025) movie poster

Lurker is a 2025 crime thriller directed by Alex Russell, starring Théodore Pellerin as Matthew, Archie Madekwe and Sunny Suljic. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes and earned $688,144 worldwide. It won 2 awards from 5 nominations, including Best First Feature at the Spirit Awards 2026. Critics gave it 78 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10.

IMDb rating
6.7/10
worldwide gross
$688.1K
awards won
2
Echo Score
80
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Lurker (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 40m (100 min)
Director
Alex Russell
Genres
Crime , Drama , Music , Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Lurker About?

The premise of Lurker without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

A retail worker becomes obsessed with a rising music artist and manages to worm his way into the singer’s inner circle. As he gains increasingly intimate access, the line between admiration and danger blurs, turning his proximity to the budding star into a deadly gamble, and his pursuit spirals into a dangerous obsession that threatens both their lives.

Lurker Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • one word title
  • recording
  • male protagonist
  • apple music
  • clothes store
  • handshake
  • playing music
  • celebrity
  • phone number
  • music artist
  • man with pink hair
  • man riding a bicycle
+38 more
  • social media
  • clothes
  • camera
  • show
  • backstage
  • pants down
  • laughter
  • messing with man
  • groupie
  • eating potato chips
  • man pulls his underwear down
  • male artist
  • heart sign
  • asian woman
  • man hugs a man
  • performing on stage
  • reference to mcdonald
  • drinking from a bottle
  • backstage pass
  • group of friends
  • taking pictures
  • reference to mickey mouse
  • picture of jesus
  • jumping on bed
  • meeting
  • beginning
  • texting
  • obsession
  • playing a video game
  • saluting
  • house
  • sink full of dirty dishes
  • man obssessing
  • looking out a window
  • laundry
  • lie
  • filming
  • cleaning house
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Cast & crew

Lurker Cast & Characters

Théodore Pellerin leads the cast as Matthew, with Archie Madekwe as Oliver and Sunny Suljic as Jamie. Directed by Alex Russell; 21 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Lurker

· 17 more
Show all 21 cast members
Ratings

Lurker Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Lurker 78 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in sensory experience (68).

80 /100

Lurker Echo Score Breakdown

Lurker delivers a tense, unsettling thriller that resonates through its thematic focus on fame and obsession. Critics highlight the film's effective direction and purposeful cinematography, while noting occasional pacing delays early in the narrative. Strong performances and meticulous production design contribute to a compelling visual and emotional experience. The overall impression is that the film succeeds in its ambition despite minor structural flaws, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    The film’s direction and visual composition are generally praised for their precision and atmospheric tone. Reviewers commend the tight editing and nuanced production design that support the story’s unsettling mood. Some criticism points to moments where the film plays it safe, limiting its artistic daring. Overall, the craftsmanship is solid and contributes positively to the film’s impact.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    Performances across the cast are highlighted as a principal strength, with actors delivering nuanced and emotionally resonant portrayals. Critics note the depth of the central character study and the chemistry that underscores the obsessive dynamics. Positive commentary emphasizes the compelling nature of the character arcs. In sum, the character work is consistently strong and enhances audience engagement.

  • Story & Flow 72

    The narrative structure balances measured pacing with moments of heightened tension, though initial buildup is described as sluggish by several reviewers. Plot originality receives acknowledgment for its commentary on parasocial relationships, yet some critics identify occasional story bumps and safe choices. Despite these issues, the overall plot cohesion remains effective. The story is engaging, if not uniformly tight.

  • Sensory Experience 68

    Auditory and visual elements contribute to an uneasy atmosphere, with sound design and score accentuating the film’s tension. Visual style is noted for its understated palette that reinforces the thematic content. However, limited specific praise suggests a more modest impact compared with other aspects. The sensory experience supports the narrative without dominating it.

  • Rewatch Factor 84

    The film’s lingering thematic questions and unsettling tone encourage repeated viewings and ongoing reflection. Critics describe it as a gripping work that stays with audiences long after the credits, noting its potential for continued relevance. Positive reactions to its thought‑provoking nature underscore its replay value. Consequently, Lurker holds strong rewatch appeal.

Plot

Lurker Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Lurker from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Retail worker Matthew Morning, Théodore Pellerin, is employed at a popular Los Angeles clothing store that often hosts the attention of Oliver, a rising pop musician. One afternoon, Matthew catches Oliver’s eye by playing an undervalued song he loves over the store speakers, and the moment sparks a connection. Oliver grants him a backstage pass to a forthcoming concert and invites him to join his inner circle as the group’s documentary storyteller. At first, Oliver’s friends are skeptical, but Matthew’s keen eye and creative contribution soon win them over, and he begins shaping visual elements for Oliver’s upcoming album cycle, eventually leaving his ordinary job behind.

Full summary

The whole story of Lurker, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Lurker Box Office

Lurker grossed $688,144 worldwide. $633,965 came from the US and Canada and $54,179 (8%) from the rest of the world.

2025 box office

Worldwide gross

$688.1K

US & Canada
$634K
International
$54.2K
US & Canada 92% Rest of the world 8%
Awards

Lurker Awards & Nominations

Lurker won 2 awards from 5 nominations, including Best First Feature at the Spirit Awards 2026. Its biggest night was the Spirit Awards 2026, with 2 wins from 4 nominations.

2 wins5 nominations2 ceremonies

Videos

Lurker Trailers & Videos

9 videos: 3 trailers, 1 clip and 5 featurettes.

All 9 videos
Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer #2
  • Trailer Official Trailer #3
  • Clip "Love and Obsession" Clip
  • Featurette LURKER: Shot on Film - Alex Russell & Pat Scola at Kodak House
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Lurker?

9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 9

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered

What is the name of the retail worker who becomes a documentarian for the pop musician?

Details

Lurker Also Known As

4 alternative titles, including “L'Intrus” and “러커”.

Also known as
  • L'Intrus
  • 러커
  • Луркер
  • 狂粉心計

Seen Lurker?

FAQ

Lurker FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Lurker, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Lurker?

Lurker runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).

When was Lurker released?

Lurker was released on August 22, 2025.

Who directed Lurker?

Lurker was directed by Alex Russell.

More films by Alex Russell

Who is in the cast of Lurker?

Lurker stars Théodore Pellerin as Matthew, Archie Madekwe as Oliver and Sunny Suljic as Jamie, among 21 credited actors.

How much did Lurker make at the box office?

Lurker grossed $688,144 worldwide ($633,965 domestic, $54,179 international).

How is Lurker rated?

Lurker has 6.7/10 on IMDb and 78 on Metacritic.

What awards did Lurker win?

Lurker won 2 awards from 5 nominations, including Best First Feature at the Spirit Awards 2026.

Does Lurker have a post-credit scene?

No. Lurker has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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