Bad Influence movie review: This Spanish film on Netflix is a romantic drama that has likeable characters and a plot that is interesting if not original
Bad Influence
Film: Bad Influence (Mala influencelia/Spanish Title)
Cast: Eléa Rochera, Alberto Olmo
Director: Chloé Wallace
Rating: 2.5/5
Runtime: 101 min
This Spanish film on Netflix is a romantic drama that has likeable characters and a plot that is interesting if not original.
Reese (Eléa Rochera) a teen girl at school who is also studying ballet is being threatened by scary messages so her dad, a rich businessman/ shady lawyer prototype, hires a young bodyguard, a young strapping lad just out of prison, Eros (Alberto Olmo), who could pass off as just another school student. Actually, Reese is being harassed by an anonymous stalker and the cops don’t show much interest. The bad boy and the good girl fall in love eventually but the threats continue and secrets about her family’s past come tumbling out.
Reese is innocent but smart and Eros, though he comes with the baggage of a difficult past, is tender hearted. Eros is personable, Reese is pretty, and in the first half there’s a bit of friction between the two. He sees her as a spoiled rich girl, she’s intrigued by his bad boy demeanor. Together they have an amiable chemistry and are able to convince us of their attraction to each other. Eléa and Alberto play off each other forming a connection that is clearly visible.
Eros’ friend Peyton has a major role to play but her character isn’t written with any depth or conviction.
The revenge motive is not very clear and we don’t get to understand why the lead character was being bullied. There’s not much action here either - just a few dances, partying, bar hopping, and romantic interludes. But the drama is palpable nevertheless.
The narrative throws up potential culprits and a broken window and a macabre package ups the ante.
Wallace’s decision to pander to a slow‑burn romance with a bit of suspense may not be kosher exactly, but it proves adequate goodies. Editing is smart enough to make things look interesting.
The score manages to suck us in, cinematography and lighting choices are intriguing and the blend of romance, drama, and mystery make for interesting viewing. The storytelling may feel incomplete but the principle leads and the atmospherics are inveigling.
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