In 1956, sociologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl developed the concept of parasocial interactions (PSI), a term that refers to the connection that media consumers feel towards media figures (i.e., actors and celebrities). Despite its foreboding terminology, parasocial interactions and parasocial relationships are more common in 2019 than you may assume—especially considering your celebrity crush springs from PSI—and Chiara Malta’s debut feature “Simple Women” directly addresses the bizarre connection that links ordinary people to renowned celebrities in the 21st century.

Continue reading ‘Simple Women’: A Faulty Psychological Drama About Obsession, Manipulation & Hero Worship [TIFF Review] at The Playlist.