IInfluencers (aka content creators) have saturated our society, whether we like it or not. They can be found in every nook and cranny of consumerism. They’re selling a lifestyle, and brands have fully embraced them as part of their marketing strategies. In this wild world, it’s hard to ignore. Yes, we have thoughts on this.
The world of influencers has evolved—and rather quickly. But like any industry, it has its good apples and its rotten ones. At first glance, we tend to see the young and attractive, but the reality is this world isn’t cookie-cutter. Influencers now come in all ages, shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. That’s what makes it so captivating. We get to choose who we follow based on who we connect with. Me? My feed is loaded with the contemporary art scene, otherworldly stuff, and everything BTS (the K-pop group, not back to school… lol).
From the outside looking in, the influencer world can seem pretty glamorous. Sure, there are free products, invitations to parties, and endless canapés and cocktails. But on the flip side, there’s the pressure of deliverables—that is, making sure you capture and produce enough content to share with your followers. So, the next time you spot influencers out in the wild with their tripods and spotlights, consider the pressure they’re under. We know… it’s hard not to find them cringey.
In comes a new film titled, INFLUENCED. It’s an entertaining film that brings us into this world and to the extreme. In the film, the main character, Mom Influencer Dzanielle, navigates fake friends among the Black card-swiping, Ozempic sharting, workout-addicted Upper East Siders of New York. In her comedic quest for a million followers, she finds her first real new friend and her true self.
Dzanielle’s life is hectic with the high society mavens and socialites while juggling her fabulous life. From obsessing over trying to secure the “it” dog walker in the city to raising her two teenage kids as a divorcée it’s an exhausting life to be an influencer on top of it all.
We had the opportunity to ask Jill Kargman, who takes on the hilarious role of Dzanielle with gusto, a few questions about the film and influencers!
The film is a lot of fun. It tells all sides of the story from the influencer’s perspective as well as others in her life. What was your favourite scene?
Jill: Thank you so much! All I wanted was to make something fun, so I’m grateful. My favorite scene is the opening montage and then breaking the fourth wall announcing her movie- it just felt obnoxious and irreverent, starting the movie in a super polished, edited, manufactured way, before things start to feel emptier.
The film also weaves in charity. I loved how the storyline shines a thoughtful light on not just “who” to support but also the reasons “why”. Thoughts?
Jill: Charity is always a good thing. But some people use philanthropy to promote themselves socially. And while their money can help, you can tell the difference between those who truly care about making a difference and those who just want to slap their name on shit and look good posting.
Spill the beans! Any influencers actually influenced this film ?
Jill: No one in the movie is based on any actual influencers but what I think is funny is the collective vibe of trying to project fabulosity and the satire that can be found in the dichotomy of their filtered, online life versus the shit-show of reality.
Influencers can make a significant impact on society. What do you hope they will find in this film?
Jill: There are already some embracing the filter less trend of being real with their followers and I hope it goes in that direction. There is a lot of deception- I know nutrition influencers on Vitamin O, shrinkfluencers who fucked up their kids, beauty influencers who secretly had surgery, etc. I wish people who be more open and honest cause they’re selling a lie.
And for the general public, what do you wish they knew about this realm beyond the perfectly curated images we see on social media?
Jill: I just hope people use social media to feel connected to their friends versus comparing themselves to some fictional aspirational construct.
If someone you knew wanted to become an influencer today, what advice would you give them?
Jill: Don’t do it unless you plan on being yourself! People can sniff out a fraud 🙂
*****
The film is directed by Rachel Israel and will have its theatrical release on August 7, 2026. View the official trailer here.