Directed by Gia Coppola, “Mainstream” is a cliché comedy/drama following three Los Angeles residents who rise to Internet stardom. The 94-minute feature is yet another film that shows its viewers the overexploited dangers of technology and social media.
Viewers first meet Frankie (Maya Hawke), a young woman living in West Hollywood, haunted by her father’s death. She works at a mundane job bartending with her friend Jake, with no idea of what she wants to do with her life except run her struggling YouTube channel. She soon encounters charismatic stranger, Link (Andrew Garfield), who intrigues Frankie with his anti-technology, anti-social media views. Frankie, Link, and Jake create a YouTube channel under the name “No One Special” that focuses around a stereotypical, narcissistic influencer played by Link.
As their channel gains traction, they catapult into Internet stardom and are soon rubbing shoulders with some of the most popular influencers in LA. However, this new perfect life doesn’t last forever: tensions arise and business slows down. However, one of their videos inadvertently drives a girl to suicide. Will it all fall down? Or will they relish in their newfound fame?
Maya Hawke gives a profound performance in the lead role, but her chemistry with co-star Garfield can’t help but fall flat. However, Garfield plays Link as the unique, energetic character he’s supposed to be. Don’t be alarmed if you think ‘Link’ bears some resemblance to Nicolas Cage; the character is based on him, who is Coppola’s second cousin.
Nat Wolff gives a good performance as the typical boy best friend, hopelessly in love with the female lead. Although “Mainstream” radiates idiosyncrasy, it can’t help but display stereotypical tropes viewers have seen plenty of times before. Be it the idea that phones and social media are toxic, or the naïve girl enamoured by the charismatic stranger into a whole new world who leaves her loyal best friend behind. Either way, there’s a high chance you’ve seen a film almost identical to “Mainstream” without even realising it.
One of the few unique things about the film is that their fame is limited; they might be one of the biggest channels on YouTube, but if you ask a Hollywood celebrity who they are, they would probably have no clue. That’s the thing that grounds it into the real world: it’s much harder to get famous in Hollywood than it is to get famous on social media. Autumn Durald provides “Mainstream” with beautiful cinematography that compliments the editing well. The editing, courtesy of Glen Scantlebury, also coincides with the techno, contemporary aesthetic of the film.
Maya Hawke and Andrew Garfield play social media influencers in “Mainstream.” Photo: IFC Film.
There are some other films you should look out for highlighting the dangers of social media and tech. The 2020 documentary “The Social Dilemma” should be on your radar, as should the comedy/thriller “Spree,” starring “Stranger Things’” Joe Keery.
Something Coppola does well here is to capture Internet culture in a somewhat accurate way. She includes real influencers and celebrities: including the controversial Jake Paul, Patrick Starrr, and “Riverdale” actor Charles Melton. But as well as directing, Coppola also penned the screenplay for the film alongside Tom Stuart. The two create a brilliantly written, smooth flowing mixture of sincere, passionate moments and hilarious comedy, even despite its issues.
All-in-all, Gia Coppola gives viewers an above-average film wither presentation here. It features both over-used themes as well as derivative plot-lines and subplots that you’ve probably seen many times before; however, it still manages to be entertaining.
*”Mainstream” is currently available to watch on most streaming platforms.
