Lurker's Théodore Pellerin on Queer Complexities and Celebrity Standom

The independent psychological drama "Lurker", directed by Alex Russell, has quickly become one of the most talked-about films on the festival circuit, drawing acclaim for its striking visuals and incisive look at the nature of fame and social hierarchies in Los Angeles. The film centers on Matthew, played by Théodore Pellerin, a retail clerk who becomes entangled with British pop star Oliver (Archie Madekwe), navigating a fraught journey into the pop star’s inner circle—a world defined by proximity, desire, and a shifting sense of belonging.

As "Lurker" rolls out nationally following its premieres in New York and Los Angeles, conversations about its queer themes and the intricacies of its character relationships have taken center stage. In a sit-down interview with Them, Pellerin offered his reflections on portraying Matthew, the film's approach to LGBTQ+ representation, and the broader cultural implications of queer storylines in contemporary cinema.

Pellerin describes "Lurker" as a rare script that allows for genuine complexity in its portrayal of queer relationships, resisting reductive tropes in favor of ambiguity and layered emotion. Matthew’s connection with Oliver exists in a space between admiration, desire, and survival—mirroring the blurred lines often present in queer experiences of intimacy and friendship. “It’s rare to read a great script,” Pellerin remarked, praising Russell’s commitment to depicting sexual tension and relational ambiguity.

The film refuses to define Matthew and Oliver’s bond as strictly romantic or platonic, instead allowing for the possibility of shifting attraction and power dynamics. This approach challenges audiences to consider the ways in which queer desire can complicate traditional narratives of friendship and celebrity, offering a more authentic reflection of LGBTQ+ experiences in the real world.

"Lurker" is particularly notable for its unflinching look at the hierarchies and social structures that develop in the orbit of celebrity. Director Alex Russell was inspired by the music business’s insular circles and the “hangers-on” who gravitate toward rising stars, a dynamic that resonates across creative industries.

Pellerin’s Matthew is both an outsider and an interloper, desperate to survive in a world where access and proximity are matters of life and death. The character’s queerness is not just a narrative device, but a lens through which the film interrogates the meaning of intimacy, ambition, and belonging. “He becomes a character that is an exaggerated or maybe even satirical version of someone who's latching onto something and desperately trying to survive,” Pellerin observed.

As Russell noted in interviews, the film’s sexual tension and relational ambiguity are central to its exploration of queer life, where questions of identity, desire, and community are often intertwined.

For Pellerin, representing queer characters in film comes with a responsibility to avoid stereotypes and offer nuanced portrayals. In his interview, he emphasized the importance of scripts that do not reduce LGBTQ+ experiences to a single narrative, but instead reflect the diversity and complexity of the community.

The actor’s approach to Matthew was shaped by a desire to unlock the character’s inner contradictions, moving beyond the labels of “fan” or “friend” to reveal a deeper, sometimes darker, longing for connection. Pellerin’s performance, described as “excellently slippery” by critics, captures the merciless drive to remain part of Oliver’s world and the emotional cost of seeking acceptance in spaces marked by exclusion.

Critics have noted that "Lurker" stands out among recent films for its visceral depiction of fame and insecurity, embodying the fake-it-till-you-make-it nature of proximity to celebrity and the insecurities that often accompany queer self-discovery.

Behind the scenes, the cast and crew of "Lurker" worked collaboratively to create an atmosphere of authenticity and openness. Archie Madekwe, who stars as Oliver, recalled his chemistry test with Pellerin in Paris and the organic communication style that developed between the actors and Russell.

Madekwe’s involvement extended beyond acting, with responsibilities that included casting suggestions and music track clearances—a testament to the collaborative nature of the project. This dynamic contributed to the film’s nuanced depiction of relationships, both on and off screen.

Cinematographically, Russell and his team opted for a textured, visually striking look, shooting in modern-day Los Angeles with an eye for both its seedy and alluring sides. The film’s use of technology and social media is deliberate, highlighting the ways in which digital proximity can both enable and complicate intimacy in queer spaces.

As "Lurker" continues its theatrical run, its impact on LGBTQ+ audiences is being closely watched. The film’s refusal to define queer relationships in narrow terms, combined with its critique of fame and exclusion, has sparked important conversations about representation and authenticity in media.

For many, Pellerin’s performance is a reminder of the importance of queer visibility and the need for stories that reflect the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences. As the film reaches wider audiences, it is likely to become a touchstone for discussions about intimacy, identity, and the complexities of queer life in the era of celebrity culture.

"Lurker" offers a rare glimpse into the tensions and triumphs of queer existence—on screen and beyond—reminding viewers that authenticity, collaboration, and complexity remain essential to LGBTQ+ storytelling in today’s media landscape.