Watch Poser

Poser is a 2020 independent crime and mystery film that follows the journey of Lennon Gates (Tyler Burke), a teenage social media influencer who decides to infiltrate the local music scene of Columbus, Ohio. He is obsessed with getting a glimpse of the underground world of the city's DIY punk culture and befriending the cool and gritty artists he admires on Instagram.

After countless attempts to befriend the musicians and bands he idolizes, Lennon is accepted by the mysterious and enigmatic singer of a local punk band named Nev (Angel Pedraza). Lennon's friendship with Nev sparks a chain of events that unravels the facade of social media and reveals the dark underbelly of Columbus's punk scene.

As Lennon becomes closer to Nev, his obsession with the punk scene of Columbus intensifies, and he starts to imitate the punk rockers he admires, donning a mohawk, piercings, and combat boots. He soon realizes that Nev's band, Syndrome, is shrouded in secrecy, and the more he learns about the band, the more he realizes something is not right. He discovers that the bandmates are involved in illegal activity and are using their shows as a cover-up for their criminal operations.

The more Lennon becomes entrenched in the punk scene, the more Nev and his bandmates draw him in, because they sense he has something they need. Lennon's social media status grants him access to a large audience that Nev and the band plan to exploit for their own gain. Lennon's obsession with Nev and the punk rock scene put him in harm's way, but he is too blinded by his desire to be a part of the cool crowd.

Tyler Burke transforms into Lennon Gates, a socially awkward teenager who is unsure of himself but confident in his online persona. He brings depth and nuance to the character, making it easy for the viewers to root for him even though they know his actions are misguided. Angel Pedraza plays the enigmatic and charismatic Nev in a way that is both seductive and sinister. He's the perfect combination of cool and creepy, making the audience wary of him while also feeling drawn to him.

Director Ori Segev and writer Cyrus Ahanchian create a world that feels authentic and gritty, capturing the punk rock scene of Columbus in a way that is both mesmerizing and unnerving. The film's use of handheld cameras and dimly lit settings creates a sense of unease and chaos, which adds to the overall tension of the film. They also explore the darker side of social media and the culture of influencers, making the audience question the authenticity behind the carefully curated online personas we see.

Poser is a must-see for fans of indie films and crime thrillers. It is a dark and haunting look into the underbelly of the punk rock scene and the influences of social media on today's youth culture. With its strong performances, impressive cinematography, and timely themes, Poser is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.