Watch Poser

"Poser" is a 2021 independent drama film directed by Ori Segev and Noah Dixon, who also wrote the screenplay. The film weaves through the vibrant underground music scene of Columbus, Ohio, and presents a raw, intimate portrayal of a young woman’s journey in finding her identity amid a crowd of authentic and passionate artists.

The story centers on Lennon Gates, played by Sylvie Mix, an introverted and slightly obsessive podcast host who is hungry for both creative fulfillment and social acclaim within the local music community. Lennon is an enigma, plagued with insecurity and desperate to belong. She traverses the fine line between genuine enthusiasm for the music scene and a frantic need to be a part of it. Her sense of identity is mirrored by her surroundings – often fluid, always searching.

As Lennon delves deeper into the art spaces and dive bars of Columbus, she comes across the confident and charismatic musician Bobbi Kitten, who is a captivating frontwoman for the local band Damn the Witch Siren. Bobbi Kitten, portraying a fictionalized version of herself, embodies the authenticity and self-assuredness that Lennon secretly covets. Their interaction sparkles with the alluring tension of a cat-and-mouse game – one offering a glimpse into the charismatic lifestyle of a local rockstar, while the other grapples with her own inconspicuousness.

Aujolie Baker further enriches the cast by bringing to life one of the many vibrant personalities Lennon encounters. The film portrays a rich gallery of musicians and artists, each offering a piece to the larger mosaic of the underground scene, reflecting on the themes of originality and performance, both on and off-stage.

The beauty of "Poser" lies not just in its character study but also in how it captures the essence of the indie music milieu with sensitivity and clarity. It serves as a love letter to the D.I.Y. culture, where passion trumps perfection and where every chord strummed in a dimly lit venue is a personal revolution. The film’s approach to music is not just as a background theme but as a living, breathing character in its own right, shaping the lives of those who create and consume it.

Lennon’s journey through the soundscapes of Columbus isn’t just about her encounters with others; it is also punctuated by her solitary moments, highlighting the solitary side of creativity and the self-reflection it demands. With her recording device always at the ready, she diligently documents and dissects the world around her, creating a soundscape that is both an artifact of her obsession and a crutch for her social awkwardness.

Visually, the film captures the raw aesthetic of the world it portrays. It doesn’t shy away from showing the unpolished corners of dive bars or the chaotic energy of house shows. The camera moves fluidly, often making the viewer feel like another spectator in the crowd or a confidante in a personal conversation. "Poser" employs a naturalistic style; the cinematography is intimate, with close-ups that pull the audience into the internal world of its characters.

The editing style of "Poser" mirrors the internal rhythm of its lead – sometimes disjointed, at other times hypnotic. It is a cinematic rendition of a mixtape, with scenes that come across as tracks, each with its unique vibe, but all contributing to the overall narrative arc. The sound design is a critical component of the film, seamlessly integrating the diegetic performances with the larger story, weaving a soundscape that is both authentic and insightful.

Themes of authenticity, obsession, and the elusive nature of belonging pulse through the film. "Poser" probes at the question of what it means to truly be original and the lengths to which one would go to achieve such a status. It scrutinizes the concept of 'poser' – an insult in subcultures valuing authenticity above all – and challenges the audience to consider where the line between inspiration and imitation lies.

What sets "Poser" apart from other films about music and identity is its focus on a female protagonist who is both flawed and relatable. In a world that often marginalizes women’s experiences, especially within subcultures that are male-dominated, Lennon’s character offers a nuanced look into the complexities of a woman navigating these spaces, making the film resonate with a broader audience.

This indie offering is a testament to the power of grassroots filmmaking and the stories that emerge from the most unexpected places. "Poser" is a captivating portrait of subculture, identity, and the art that shapes our sense of self. It is a film that is sure to linger with viewers, much like the haunting melodies that drift through the venues that Lennon haunts in her search for belonging.

Poser is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 68.