A Seductive Teen Romance with a Dangerous Edge

⭐⭐⭐ 3/5

A New Take on a Familiar Trope

Directed by Chloé Wallace in her feature film debut, the 2025 Spanish romantic drama Bad Influence (original title: Mala influencia) reinterprets a classic romance trope for a new generation. Based on a popular Wattpad story, the film centers on the forbidden connection between Reese, a wealthy heiress, and Eros, the troubled ex-con her father hires to be her bodyguard. This narrative setup, while not entirely new, is handled with a contemporary visual style and a strong focus on the emotional and physical chemistry between the leads.

Chemistry That Drives the Film

The film’s central strength lies in the performances of its two young stars, Alberto Olmo as Eros and Eléa Rochera as Reese. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable and serves as the primary engine for the story’s romantic tension. Olmo’s portrayal of the brooding, enigmatic bodyguard is compelling, while Rochera skillfully embodies the privileged but emotionally isolated heiress. The emotional push and pull between them, a dance of distrust and desire, is genuinely captivating and will likely be the main draw for its target audience.

A Stylish but Uneven Thriller

Wallace’s background in music videos and the Netflix mini-series A Perfect Story is evident in the film’s polished and sleek aesthetic. The cinematography is visually appealing, capturing the urban landscapes and the more intimate, dramatic moments with equal finesse. However, the thriller elements of the plot—the mysterious stalker and the family secrets—often feel underdeveloped and secondary to the central romance. While the film attempts to build suspense, the pacing can feel uneven, and some of the more dramatic reveals fall flat due to a lack of narrative depth in those specific areas.

Exploring Themes of Class and Trust

Beyond the romance, Bad Influence touches on themes of class divide and the nature of trust. The clash between Reese’s sheltered, affluent world and Eros’s harsh reality creates an interesting dynamic, hinting at a more complex social commentary. The film explores whether one can truly escape their past and whether a person’s reputation can be separated from their true character. While these themes are present, they are not explored as deeply as they could be, often taking a backseat to the romance and its dramatic trappings.

An Engaging Watch for the Right Audience

Overall, Bad Influence is a visually engaging and emotionally resonant film that successfully captures the intoxicating allure of a forbidden romance. While it may lack the intricate plotting of a more traditional thriller, it delivers exactly what it promises: a passionate and compelling love story. For fans of teen romance, Wattpad adaptations, and visually stylish dramas, this film is a very worthwhile watch.