Influenced is an American comedy satire film, released on 8 May 2026 starring Jill Kargman as Dzanielle, with an ensemble cast including Laura Bell Bundy, Justin Bartha, David Krumholtz, Christine Taylor, Jessica Capshaw, Eugene Cordero, Clara Wong, Nathan Lee Graham and Dan Hedaya, plus special cameos by Gwyneth Paltrow, Drew Barrymore, Matt Damon and Jason Biggs.
Index
Directed by Rachel Israel from a screenplay co-written by Jill Kargman, Carol Hartsell and Sean Crespo, the film follows a determined social media influencer navigating fake friendships, status obsession and the curated chaos of New York’s Upper East Side as she chases her first million followers while discovering authentic connection. The Influenced opened modestly but encouragingly in its limited US theatrical release on 8 May 2026, collecting $0.41 million on its opening Friday across select arthouse and specialty theaters in key markets.
This debut reflects the film’s targeted appeal to audiences drawn to sharp, relatable satire on influencer culture, bolstered by its festival buzz from the Miami Jewish Film Festival premiere and the star power of its ensemble and high-profile cameos. Early audience reception has been warmly positive, with viewers praising the witty script, heartfelt moments amid the laughs, and clever jabs at modern social media excess, setting the stage for steady word-of-mouth growth in its specialized rollout.
Internationally, the film’s limited strategy has yielded correspondingly modest early figures, contributing roughly $0.22 million overseas through the first three days for a worldwide total approaching $1.55 million. However, positive social media discussions on platforms like Instagram and X around its authentic portrayal of ambition, friendship and self-discovery have begun generating interest among urban, English-speaking viewers. The Influenced’s smart blend of humor and heart continues to build organic traction, offering refreshing counter-programming for those seeking clever, character-driven comedy over spectacle-driven releases.
Influenced 2026 Overview

| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Influenced |
| Directed by | Rachel Israel |
| Written by | Jill Kargman, Carol Hartsell, Sean Crespo |
| Produced by | SJ Allocco-St. Germain, Arielle Haller-Silverstone, Mandy Ward, Steven Ast |
| Actor | Justin Bartha |
| Actress | Jill Kargman |
| Other Cast | Laura Bell Bundy, David Krumholtz, Christine Taylor, Jessica Capshaw, Eugene Cordero, Dan Hedaya, Clara Wong, Nathan Lee Graham + cameos by Gwyneth Paltrow, Drew Barrymore, Matt Damon |
| Cinematography | Danny Vecchione |
| Edited by | Jessica Baclesse |
| Music by | Original Score |
| Production Companies | Independent |
| Distributed by | Menemsha Films, Brainstorm Media |
| Release Date | 8 May 2026 |
| Running Time | 88 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Film Industry | Hollywood |
| Genre | Comedy, Satire |
| Censor Rating | R |
Influenced Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | US Collection Gross (Millions) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Friday, May 8, 2026 | $0.41 Millions | (Opening Day) |
| Day 2 | Saturday, May 9, 2026 | $0.52 Millions | +27% |
| Day 3 | Sunday, May 10, 2026 | $0.39 Millions | -25% |
| Day 4 | Monday, May 11, 2026 | $0.085 Millions | -78% |
| Day 5 | Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | $0.105 Millions | +24% |
| Day 6 | Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | $0.072 Millions | -31% |
| Day 7 | Thursday, May 14, 2026 | $0.065 Millions | -10% |
| Day 8 | Friday, May 15, 2026 | $0.26 Millions | +300% |
| Day 9 | Saturday, May 16, 2026 | $0.32 Millions | +23% |
| Day 10 | Sunday, May 17, 2026 | $0.24 Millions | -25% |
| Day 11 | Monday, May 18, 2026 | $0.055 Millions | -77% |
| Day 12 | Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | $0.08 Millions | +45% |
| Total US Gross | – | $2.61 Millions | – |
| Total Worldwide Gross | – | $3.1 Millions | – |
Box office data published on this website is compiled through independent research and publicly available sources for informational purposes only. Figures are approximate and may differ significantly from official producer, distributor, or studio records. Data is subject to change and may be updated, revised, or corrected at any time without prior notice as more accurate information becomes available. Tenvow makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any data presented at any given point in time. This data should not be used for commercial, financial, or legal decision-making. Tenvow is not liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information.
Influenced is a Hit or Flop
Hit
What is the budget of Influenced
The film has been made on a budget of approximately $5 million.
Our Review
Influenced is a laugh-out-loud, sharp-tongued comedy that perfectly captures the crazy world of social media influencers and the ultra-wealthy Upper East Side crowd. Jill Kargman, who also co-wrote the film, delivers a fantastic lead performance as Dzanielle, a determined influencer desperately chasing one million followers. The film takes us through her journey filled with fake friends, status symbols, expensive workouts and curated perfection that hides a lot of insecurity.
With hilarious cameos from Gwyneth Paltrow, Drew Barrymore and Matt Damon playing themselves, the movie gets plenty of big laughs while also having a surprisingly warm heart. What makes Influenced special is how it balances biting satire with genuine emotion. It cleverly roasts influencer culture, fake philanthropy and the obsession with likes and followers without becoming mean-spirited.
Director Rachel Israel keeps the pace fast and the jokes coming, while still giving the characters real moments of growth and self-discovery. The supporting cast including Justin Bartha, Laura Bell Bundy, David Krumholtz and Christine Taylor is excellent and adds depth to the story. As of today, the limited opening is showing promising per-screen numbers in the cities where it is playing, and positive early reviews suggest it will benefit greatly from word-of-mouth. Looking ahead, Influenced has the potential to become a sleeper hit in the comedy space.
In an era where big franchises dominate, this kind of original, character-driven comedy with relatable themes feels refreshing. It may not make huge box office numbers due to its limited release, but it is the type of film that audiences will talk about and recommend. If you enjoy smart, funny movies like The Devil Wears Prada or recent hits that poke fun at modern society, you should not miss Influenced. Jill Kargman proves she is a major talent both in front of and behind the camera. This one is witty, entertaining and has just enough heart to make it memorable.
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Disclaimer:
- Box office figures in this article are independently estimated by Tenvow based on an internal tracking methodology that evaluates theatre occupancy trends, distributor feedback, and regional trade indicators.
- The data reflects industry estimates available at the time of publication and may vary slightly from officially reported or audited figures released later.
- These figures should be considered preliminary and indicative, not official confirmations.
- Tenvow does not guarantee absolute accuracy of the data and presents it solely for informational purposes.
- All financial figures are stated in United States dollars (USD) and represented in millions, unless specified otherwise.
- All dates and times mentioned follow Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5)
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- Influenced 2026 Movie Review
