By: MJ Asuncion
In the psychological thriller Iconoclast, we explore the dangerous side of obsession and examine just how far someone will go to be noticed. In a world increasingly shaped by technology and life behind screens, how many people are truly their authentic selves? Is the person you are the same person you present to the world? While social media and online trends influence everyone to some degree, some people will go to extraordinary lengths to reinvent themselves simply to feel seen.
Connor (Gabriel Basso) is a recluse who has become dangerously fixated on live-streaming influencer Nika (Courtney Eaton), allowing his entire life to revolve around her. He constantly watches her streams, thinks about her even when he is away from his screen and memorizes every one of her likes and dislikes. Slowly, he molds himself into the person he believes she would want. Everything and everyone else fades into the background of the world he has built around Nika. Even his colleague Morgan (Rain Spencer), who makes a genuine effort to connect with him each day, is kept at arm’s length. To Connor, nothing matters except getting Nika to notice him and perhaps – one day – to want him.
Best known for his leading role in the hit Netflix series “The Night Agent,” Gabriel Basso reveals an entirely different side of his talent as the reclusive Connor. Trading charismatic heroism for simmering restraint, Basso delivers a performance defined by quiet intensity and an ever-present sense of unease. Every movement feels calculated, every glance carries weight and his piercing stare hints at the turmoil lurking beneath the surface. Rather than relying on explosive outbursts, he allows the character’s darkness to build gradually, creating a tension that is palpable in every scene. As Connor’s inner conflict continues to simmer, Basso makes it impossible to predict if or when that restraint will finally give way, leaving you in constant anticipation of an inevitable eruption.
As the writer, director and star of Iconoclast, Gabriel Basso makes an impressive directorial debut. Excelling in all three roles, Basso demonstrates remarkable range as a filmmaker and performer. While many audiences know him from “The Night Agent,” his body of work also includes films A House of Dynamite (2025), The Kings of Summer (2013) and Super 8 (2011). In addition to his work in front of the camera, Basso also served as a producer on the latest season of “The Night Agent,” further showcasing his versatility and growth.
Iconoclast is a slow-burning, intense character study that draws the audience intimately into Connor’s world. Its exploration of themes such as wanting to be someone else, the desire to truly be seen and becoming so consumed by another person that the obsession borders on unhealthy feels especially relevant in today’s world. These ideas resonate in a way that makes the film both unsettling and thought-provoking and it is likely to strike a nerve with many viewers. The film’s moments of tension are incredibly palpable, creating a constant sense of unease that keeps you invested in Connor’s journey. Overall, Iconoclast is a compelling watch, but I was left wanting more from its characters. While the performances and central themes are strong, I found myself wishing for deeper character development and greater emotional insight, which would have made the story’s impact even more powerful.