Ingrid Goes West — A friendship built on illusion
The film balances satire with genuine pathos, but its emotional core is often overshadowed by its own irony.
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Spoiler-free review.
Ingrid's obsession with her Instagram idol creates a tension that feels absurd yet deeply personal. Her need for validation drives her attempts to connect, and the film shows this without passing judgment. The script highlights social media's superficiality but has trouble keeping its emotional stakes consistent.
Matt Spicer's direction leans into sharp, stylized scenes rather than long stretches of emotional depth. The film moves between fast-paced humor and awkward pauses, which makes the rhythm feel uneven. Still, it never completely hides Ingrid's vulnerability behind her quirky behavior.
Aubrey Plaza gives a performance that's both wildly unhinged and genuinely sad. Elizabeth Olsen plays the idol with a cool, distant vibe, making her a strong but remote figure. The dialogue often feels more like a script being read than real conversation between people.
The film tries to comment on modern loneliness, but its message doesn't always come through clearly. The humor sometimes softens the emotional weight of Ingrid's journey, making the impact less strong. That said, it still works as a pointed, if flawed, look at the risks of getting lost in online personas and personal delusions.
2017 · English. Film details · Poster source · Artwork © its respective rights holders.
7/10
My verdictThe film balances satire with genuine pathos, but its emotional core is often overshadowed by its own irony.
— Desly