You may recognize Archie Madekwe from Ari Aster’s Midsommar or more recently, Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn. The young British actor has showcased his abilities in a number of films and shows, but now he will be front and center as the main character of Lurker. The film is Alex Russell’s directorial debut, but he has experience in writing for television with both Beef and The Bear under his belt. 

The film follows Oliver (Madekwe), a singer about to become a star, and an obsessed fan, Mathew, played by Théodore Pellerin. The film revolves around celebrities and intense fandoms hence its fitting title. 

Originally, Madekwe had auditioned for the role of Mathew, but after not hearing back about the part, he assumed he has not been selected. However, Russell had watched him in a coffee shop, and he thought Madekwe would make a perfect Oliver. Russell even changed Oliver’s nationality from American to British because of Madekwe. Some of his inspiration for this change stemmed from a British singer known as Rex Orange County, one of Madekwe’s friends. Rex Orange County even provided a new song of his to be used in the movie. 

The director and actor worked closely together, and Russell encouraged Madekwe to become a producer on the film, so he did. This made Madekwe a first-time producer. Madekwe did not just act and help produce the project, but he is also the actual singing voice behind Oliver. He sang both in the studio and live. He even hints at a possibility of an Oliver album in the future. 

In an interview with Variety Madekwe said, “‘It’s so refreshing to find – a genre piece like that feels tense and anxiety-inducing, but is also laced with so much comedy. It’s quite rare and I’ve been trying to find comparables but don’t really have any.”’ 

Lurker did well at Sundance. Mubi will have the film for U.S. viewers and Focus Features for other countries viewers. The film will also make its international debut in Berlin.