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Jill Kargman stars in an all-star comedy arriving in theaters in just 3 days. “Influenced” features hilarious cameos from Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Drew Barrymore. This foul-mouthed satire demolishes Upper East Side influencer culture.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Date: May 8, 2026 in select theaters nationwide
- Runtime: 88 minutes of pure comedy chaos
- Director: Rachel Israel (Keep the Change)
- Star Power: Damon, Paltrow, Barrymore plus ensemble cast
Brilliantly Foul Satire Hits Exactly Right Notes
“Influenced” is a hilariously warm-hearted satire targeting New York City’s Upper East Side influencer culture. Jill Kargman, known for creating Bravo’s “Odd Mom Out,” wrote and stars in this sharp comedy. The film mocks wealth, vanity, and the endless pursuit of followers.
Director Rachel Israel brings authentic edge to the satirical premise. Kargman plays Dzanielle, a renowned social media influencer navigating fake friendships. Her quest for one million followers becomes a hilarious descent into absurdity.
Jill Kargman stars in ‘Influenced’ comedy arriving May 8, with Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow
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Powerhouse Cast and Cameo Appearances
The ensemble features David Krumholtz, Justin Bartha, Christine Taylor, Laura Bell Bundy, Jessica Capshaw, Eugene Cordero, and Dan Hedaya in leading roles. But the real surprises come from star-studded cameos that skewer celebrity culture itself.
Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Drew Barrymore, and Jason Biggs appear as exaggerated versions of themselves. These unexpected appearances elevate the film’s satirical targets beyond just influencers to actual Hollywood icons.
Story, Release Details, and Theatrical Roll-Out
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | May 8, 2026 |
| Runtime | 88 minutes |
| Distributor | Menemsha Films, Brainstorm Media |
| Genre | Comedy Satire |
Dzanielle ultimately discovers something unexpected beyond the follower count. Through her chaotic journey among Ozempic-addicted workout fanatics and Black-card swipers, she finds first real friendship and her true self. The satirical premise transforms into genuine heart.
“INFLUENCED is a hilariously foul-mouthed, warm-hearted satire of New York City’s Upper East Side influencer culture from co-writer/star Jill Kargman and director Rachel Israel.”
— Menemsha Films, Official Distribution
Major Theater Releases Confirm Star-Studded Events
May 8 in New York at Quad Cinema with Jill Kargman and special guests in person. May 15 opens in Los Angeles at Laemmle’s Royal and Town Center 5, Encino, plus Phoenix’s Harkins Shea 14. Kargman attends the LA premiere alongside fellow cast members.
May 22 arrives in Boston at West Newton Cinema with Kargman present. May 29 rolls into Chicago at Wayfarer Theaters and Bedford, New York’s Bedford Playhouse. Nationwide expansion follows with more theaters announced soon.
Will This Influencer Satire Conquer Box Office Comedy?
Comedy satires targeting specific cultures have found audiences when executed with sharp writing and genuine heart. “Influenced” combines both elements with foul-mouthed dialogue meeting emotional authenticity. The star power from Damon, Paltrow, and Barrymore adds mainstream appeal beyond niche comedy fans.
The film premiered at Miami Jewish Film Festival in January 2026, building festival momentum before theatrical release. Early screenings generated positive reactions for its balance of satire and heart. Can Kargman’s deep understanding of Upper East Side culture translate to box office success in May 2026?
Sources
- Menemsha Films – Official film distributor and production details
- Wikipedia – Comprehensive film credits and release information
- Fandango – Theatrical release dates and showtimes
