Rooted in the Columbus, Ohio, indie music scene, a young woman named Lennon (Sylvie Mix) wants to find a foot in the door. Naturally, she Googles how to start a podcast and starts interviewing bands. She collects sound bites and episodes learning everything from them.
As Lennon immerses herself in this community, she also tries to find her own identity and her own voice as an artist. This is where Bobbi Kitten comes in, who takes Lennon under her wing. Kitten is played by Damn the Witch Siren frontwoman Bobbi Kitten, playing an exaggerated version of herself.
“Poser” manages to be a surprise throughout. This is especially the case if you don’t know what it’s about going in, as there’s something off about Lennon, but you can never quite put your finger on it. The film has elements of stalker films (think “Single White Female”). It also has a lot of heart and tragedy as Lennon searches for a sense of belonging and her own voice.
Sylvie Mix as Lennon and Bobbi Kitten as Bobbi Kitten in ‘Poser.’ (Courtesy of Tribeca.)
Immersing us into this world
This is a fascinating contrast with Bobbi Kitten, who exudes confidence. Their chemistry together in their characters and performances are great; balancing each other out beautifully. At one point Lennon interviews Bobbi, where Bobbi Kitten says that she knows her own voice and what she wants to say. “I feel sure of myself and I like the way I never have to second guess myself,” she says.
This is a level of confidence that Lennon aspires to have. I think a lot of others aspire to be so comfortable with themselves, as well. Writer Noah Dixon (who co-directs with Ori Segev) explores this side of Bobbi Kitten so well. Dixon also finds such a cool structure with the film.
It’s separated by podcast episodes, setting up each section thematically. The music they bring into the film is so great, too. It makes Columbus feel like a place you’d love to be. They create such intimate scenes with the music that it makes us feel like we’re there.
For Lennon’s own singing, when we hear her sing for the first time, it’s totally magnetic and beautiful. There’s a naturalism to all these performances that immerse us into this community. It’s no wonder why Lennon wants to break into this place so badly. The people have such cool style. That goes for Lennon herself and especially Bobbi Kitten, who is unpredictable with her wardrobe choices every scene.
Poser had its World Premiere as part of the US Narrative Competition at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 11. You can watch my interview with co-directors Noah Dixon and Ori Segev, as well as Bobbi Kitten, right here.
