A timely, sophisticated, self-conscious thriller about watching, being watched and watching out. Made on an intimate scale, this indie production punches way above its weight. Among the clearest touchstones here would be The Game, Catfish and I'm Still Here. I also thought it showed shades of Bret Easton Ellis: his seedy classic Glamorama and his autofictional Lunar Park both came to mind. Importantly, Shaw really sticks the landing, his plot finally unraveling at the film's at once oddly moving and uneasily cinematic ending. Yet I suspect that Use Me's subtle reflections on trauma and authenticity are what will stick in my mind as I reflect on this ambitious film--as I have no doubt I will--over the coming weeks and months. Highly recommended.
