LOS ANGELES - eTradeWire -- The short film Looksmaxxing delivers a sharp, unsettling look at the online subculture of self-optimization, blending psychological horror with dark comedy while tapping directly into the aesthetics and virality of today's social media landscape.

Directed by Elan Alexander and co-written by Alexander and Nick Buckwalter, the film follows a dopamine-depleted young man who becomes consumed by the world of "looksmaxxing"—an internet-driven ideology focused on maximizing attractiveness—leading him down an increasingly obsessive and destructive path.

The film stars Sunny Suljic (mid90s, Lurker, God of War) alongside Jerry Habibi (The Persian Version).

Looksmaxxing with Jerry Habibi is produced by Elan Alexander, Doug Kerner, and Laura Lyte, with executive producers Zack Bia, John Terzian, Will Noyce, and Nick Buckwalter.

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The film has already begun gaining traction online, with early teaser footage gaining over 4 million views circulating across Instagram Reels and X (formerly Twitter), contributing to a growing wave of organic engagement. Coverage from prominent film news accounts such as Film Updates on X has further amplified awareness, signaling early cultural momentum ahead of release.

The official teaser trailer has generated strong early viewership across platforms, reflecting audience curiosity around both the film's subject matter and its stylized, internet-native presentation.

X created a news link for the title because of it's growth
https://x.com/i/trending/2047084002407022791

Blurring the line between satire and psychological realism, the project explores identity, masculinity, and the commodification of self-image in an era where virality often dictates value. The film's tone moves fluidly between absurdity and discomfort, reflecting the real-world intensity of online comparison and performance.

The film is set to premiere in Los Angeles on April 28th.