The first trailer for Influenced, a satirical comedy by Jill Kargman, showcases the lifestyle of social media elites in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The film centers on Dzanielle, a momfluencer aiming to grow her online presence to one million followers, capturing the contrast between her glamorous facade and the chaotic reality. With notable appearances by Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, and Drew Barrymore, the trailer blends sharp humor with celebrity cameos to highlight the absurdity of influencer culture.
Dzanielle’s Quest and Social Media Ambitions
Dzanielle, portrayed by Jill Kargman, drives the narrative as she strives to become a top influencer amid the luxe settings of Manhattan’s East 74th Street. She insists,
I’m gonna get to a mil if it kills me,
illustrating her relentless pursuit of social media fame. The trailer presents her dual life, showing both the polished and unfiltered moments behind her online persona. During the preview, she declares,
It’s time to use my platform for good,
and aspires to be
the Mr. Rogers of East 74th Street,
underlining the film’s satirical take on influencer responsibilities within high society.
Cast, Crew, and Story Development
Influenced is co-written by Jill Kargman, Carol Hartsell, and Sean Crespo, with direction by Rachel Israel. The ensemble cast includes Justin Bartha, Christine Taylor, Jessica Capshaw, Jason Biggs, David Krumholtz, Eugene Cordero, Laura Bell Bundy, and Nathan Lee Graham who support the central story. Jill Kargman explains,
Like my show Odd Mom Out, Influenced is set in the Black card–swiping, Ozempic-sharting, workout-addicted Upper East Side,
emphasizing the sharp social commentary that parallels her previous work.
Additional Insights and Festival Premiere
The trailer, released exclusively by PEOPLE, extends on the viral pandemic-era character Dzanielle, adding depth through Drew Barrymore’s cameo, who has a personal connection to the story as the former spouse of Kargman’s brother, Will Kopelman. Influenced debuted at the Miami Jewish Film Festival in January and is scheduled for theatrical release this spring. The film follows Dzanielle as she moves beyond chasing followers to building true friendships and exploring her identity beyond social media’s spotlight.
