The In Crowd

The In Crowd, released in 1988, is a psychological horror film directed by Mary Lambert, who had previously directed cult classics such as Siesta and Pet Sematary, which is also a Stephen King novel. The film follows 19-year-old Nomi Albertson, played by Mallory Brock, as she struggles to find her identity and sense of belonging. Nomi, a mentally disturbed young woman with a troubled past, starts a new job at the exclusive Golden Run Country Club as a waitress. The posh atmosphere of the prestigious country club starkly contrasts with Nomi's humble background and her recent stint in a mental institution. As Nomi navigates this unfamiliar environment, she quickly becomes drawn to her new colleagues at the club. Most of them are college-aged and come from wealthy, influential families, creating the perception that they are invincible and all-knowing. Upon becoming friends with this group of seemingly perfect upper-class kids, Nomi soon discovers she is particularly taken with the enigmatic and charismatic leader of the group, named Darien, portrayed by a young and up-and-coming Jared Leto, albeit uncredited in this film. Darien, whose life appears picture-perfect at first glance, turns out to be more complex and multifaceted. As Nomi becomes further integrated into Darien's inner circle and learns more about their secret escapades and mischievous pranks, she gradually unravels the sinister underbelly beneath their seemingly polished facade. It soon transpires that Nomi has unwittingly stumbled upon a group of young people plagued by emotional turmoil, substance abuse, and reckless tendencies. Throughout the film, there is a stark contrast drawn between the privileged world that Nomi has been thrust into, and her own reality, which makes her increasingly desperate to break free from her past and the societal expectations placed upon her. As Nomi becomes more entrenched in Darien's clique, their friendship turns into a toxic and intense romance, blurring the lines between love, obsession, and control. Darien, who appears at first to be this charismatic and attractive individual who takes Nomi under his wing and showers her with affection, slowly reveals himself to be an emotionally complex and manipulative individual. This is reflected in his actions and relationships, and his seemingly carefree spirit belies a troubled and possibly even disturbed reality. The film becomes increasingly dark as the story unfolds, hinting that Darien harbors deep-rooted secrets that are far more terrifying than anything Nomi could have ever imagined. His true nature, it turns out, is one of a self-centered individual capable of manipulating those around him, including Nomi, to satisfy his own destructive desires. As Nomi becomes more and more entangled in this toxic web of relationships and obsession, she starts to feel a sense of desperation, and ultimately, a sense of desperation to break free from the hold Darien has on her and the darkness surrounding the inner circle. It becomes apparent that Nomi is fighting a battle to save herself from the depths of despair, and the clutches of this controlling clique. The film's climax builds towards a suspenseful and dramatic showdown as Nomi comes to terms with her own reality and the toxic world she has been drawn into. In a last-ditch effort to save herself from Darien's grasp, she finally discovers the true and terrifying nature of his dark past, which ultimately pushes her to reclaim control over her own destiny. The In Crowd offers a stark commentary on the darker aspects of the wealthy elite's lives, highlighting the superficialities that they often present to the world. This 80s psychological horror film serves as a cautionary tale about the allure of the 'upper echelon' and the true costs of being part of it. The film also explores themes of love, obsession, manipulation, and control, leaving viewers questioning the true nature of the relationships we form with others and what can happen when we blindly conform to societal expectations.