Ingrid Thorburn, a young woman with an obsessions: Instagram. This social media platform has transformed the way people live their lives, shifting focus from text-based posts to photo-based content. But it’s not just a simple change in format; Instagram has given rise to a new kind of influencer known as ‘selebgrams,’ or celebrities on Instagram. These selebgrams have thousands, even millions, of followers who aspire to live the same perfect lives they see on their screens.
Ingrid’s obsessions start with her favorite selebgram, Charlotte. In her mind, she believes they are friends, connected in some way through the photos that Charlotte shares. But it’s all in her head, and this obsession reaches a breaking point when Ingrid confronts Charlotte at her wedding. Ingrid’s misplaced feelings of friendship lead her to assault Charlotte with pepper spray, resulting in her arrest.
After being released from a mental health facility, Ingrid’s obsession shifts to another selebgram, Taylor Sloane. Ingrid becomes infatuated with Taylor’s seemingly perfect life and decides to move to Los Angeles to be closer to her idol. Ingrid goes to great lengths to recreate Taylor’s lifestyle, even stealing her beloved dog.
To her surprise, Ingrid manages to meet Taylor and they become friends. But this doesn’t quell Ingrid’s obsession; if anything, it intensifies. She is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain the illusion of their friendship and be a part of Taylor’s world.
Ingrid’s obsession reaches its peak when she borrows a truck from her roommate, Dan, to help Taylor move. But in her intoxicated state, Ingrid crashes the truck, jeopardizing her already tenuous relationship with Taylor. It’s at this point that Nick, Taylor’s brother, discovers Ingrid’s true intentions and actions, exposing her obsession.
Caught in a web of blackmail, Ingrid must make a difficult decision. She faces the consequences of her unhealthy obsession with social media and learns that Taylor’s perfect life on Instagram is nothing but a facade. The film delves into the themes of obsession, the allure of social media, and the dangerous illusion of perfection.
Directed by Matt Spicer, this dark comedy and psychological drama was released in 2017. The cast includes Aubrey Plaza as Ingrid Thorburn, Elizabeth Olsen as Taylor Sloane, and O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Dan Pinto. Through Ingrid’s story, the film serves as a cautionary tale about the negative impacts of social media obsession and the desire for a perfect life.
Ingrid’s journey reminds us that social media can be a double-edged sword. While it provides a way for people to connect and share their lives, it also presents a distorted view of reality. The pressure to achieve a picture-perfect existence can lead to unhealthy relationships, actions, and even mental health issues.
In conclusion, ‘Ingrid Goes West’ exposes the dangerous obsession with social media and the illusion of perfection it creates. By exploring the extremes of Ingrid’s obsession with selebgrams, the film serves as a cautionary tale for the digital age. It reminds us to be mindful of our own relationship with social media and to prioritize our mental well-being above the pursuit of an unattainable ideal.
