This review originally ran on during the 2019 Chicago International Film Festival

Sweat is an inside look into the life of a social media influencer and fitness guru Sylwia Zajac (Magdalena Kolesnik). She is self-made, driven, and a high energy overachiever wrapped up in neon pink leggings with a polished blonde ponytail.

Beloved by 600,000 followers, Sylwia’s life seems perfect from the outside. However, tension builds when her manager confronts her about a vulnerable post gone viral. It is speculated that it may have sullied her peppy image potentially costing her sponsorships. Sylwia seems to be more comfortable alone talking to her camera than she is with actual relationships with family or friends.

Behind all of the unboxings, smoothie tutorials, and extravagant influencer parties is the dark underbelly of fame. To add to mounting stress, a stalker enters her life, waiting outside her building exposing himself to her. After their confrontation goes violent, Sylwia takes pity on the stalker; and one might wonder why she made this choice? Perhaps it is because she relates to putting herself on display for all to see in a desperate need for attention?

The film concludes with Sylwia making an appearance on a popular morning talk show. When pressed about being too vulnerable she seems to finally have a paradigm shift. We see that she truly loves her fans and admires people who can be completely open with their feelings…no matter how they may be judged.

Director Magnus Von Horn paints a portrait of a modern creator: The social media influencer. The storytelling is so relevant and fascinating that the audience might even forget they are reading subtitles. Loneliness and insecurities run rampant in the age of image crafting on social media. Like so many of us, Sylwia craves connection and attention. But how much is too much? Does it come with the price of sacrificing true intimacy?

Streaming on MUBI this Friday, July 23.