Poser is a single white female type thriller that certainly has its issues — however the final act more than makes up for them.
One of the standout films at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival is Poser due to its dark and twisted story, creative cinematography, fantastic score, and two incredible lead performances. While this film certainly has its issues which include a slow start and middle, the final act more than makes up for it. When everything is tied together in the end it is clear that Poser is a must watch movie.
This movie follows a young singer named Lennon who is doing her best to break into the Indie music scene in Columbus, OH. She has a podcast which ends up allowing her access to some backstage conversations with other artists. Early on in the movie she forms a connection with Bobbi Kitten — but as time goes on, it becomes more and more unhealthy.
What Works With Poser
The two female leads, Sylvie Mix (Lennon) and Bobbi Kitten, hold this movie together through the pacing issues and script flaws. They are both extremely talented actors and singers, and their chemistry is fantastic. Watching them play off each other as the story continues is what will keep most viewers watching.
The music and the unique cinematography also help to move this film into the thriller category. There are many moments where the audience is likely to feel very on edge just because of them — even though no one is really sure what is about to happen.
Poser’s final act – and especially the last 15 minutes – really drives the story home, and makes it all worth watching in the end. After becoming completely invested in Lennon and Kitti, this is the payoff people will be looking for.
What Doesn’t Work With Poser
Poser is not one of those movies that will hook you from the beginning, but it is intriguing enough to keep the audience watching, hoping that it will eventually pay off – and it does.
The issue here is that it takes at least half the movie to truly understand that this is of the thriller genre. It fumbles its way through the first two acts – which is not to say they are bad, they just haven’t completely found themselves yet – but again, that final act shines.
Overall Thoughts
Poser is a single white female type thriller that certainly takes its time to get where it is going, but once it does, the entire movie comes together and proves it is more than worth a watch. The lead actors are phenomenal and are sure to be going places, so keep an eye on them. Their chemistry is great throughout the whole movie and they do a decent job with the script they are given.
The biggest issue is the slow start, but again, it eventually gets there. Since the movie is only an hour and a half long, this is worth the initial struggle.
About Poser
Lennon exists timidly on the sidelines of the thriving Columbus, Ohio indie music scene, yearning for a personal connection that might shepherd her into the inner sanctum of warehouse concerts, exclusive backstage, house parties and the cutting-edge art scene.
As she fuels her desire for entrée into a podcast featuring live music and conversations with the artists she so fervently admires, Lennon finds inspiration for her own musical ambitions…and a growing sense of misdirected identity.
Enter Bobbi Kitten, an enigmatic, striking and talented half of a popular, indie pop duo, who takes Lennon under her confident wing—unwittingly entangling herself in a dark obsession.
Poser played at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.