On this page: ANTARCTICA | COUNTY LINES | HOST

< < I N D I E S > >

Both Levine and Muroya have a lot of fun with the fast and witty dialog, which races from topic to topic, dropping telling commentary and throwaway gags throughout conversations. They also nicely play their heightened emotional reactions to the things that happen to them, often using adolescent angst as a shield. And the unshakeable connection between them is sharply well played. By contrast, almost everyone else on-screen is cartoonish, including their absurd parents, teachers, doctors and counsellors.

The film takes several pointed jabs at family relationships, especially the usual over-involved parent who is coldly unsympathetic to a child. These things are often played out in broadly comical style, using exaggeration to poke fun at the idiotic things well-meaning adults do. Some of the more outrageous things are clearly meant to be shocking, but they're instead presented in ways that are merely silly. Still, if the overall story doesn't quite hang together, there are strong points made along the way.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

4.Nov.20 rff

Khan is a seriously gifted young actor who can convey defiance and vulnerability at the same time. He makes Tyler compelling and likeable even as he willingly enters this violent world. His connections with his family, friends and teachers are warm and close, even as he pulls away from them, squaring off and lashing out. And he's terrific in scenes opposite Dickinson, another young actor who can bring unexpected nuance. Meanwhile, both Madekwe and Milne-Price add layers of complexity to their roles, as does Peer as straight-talking counsellor Bex.

The film opens with Bex explaining to Tyler that in his business he is what's known as "acceptable loss". This idea of destroying young lives for quick financial gain infuses the film with a sense of righteous anger while adding a powerful feeling of unpredictability to the plot. Whether or not Tyler gets out, the people who care about him are doing everything they can to help, although this might not be enough. And the skilful filmmaking and performances drive the point home in an unforgettable way.

themes, language, violence, drugs

7.Feb.20

Providing their own cinematography by carrying laptops around, the actors dive all-in, finding offhanded comedy in their interaction while being terrorised by whatever paranormal craziness comes along. Even if there isn't much character development, the actors find ways to add small touches in their performances that bring each person to life. And each actor is excellent at playing someone who's absolutely terrified about what's happening to their friends. And to themselves.

The effects work is disarmingly simple, providing full-on horror for each of these young people while the others watch at a helpless distance. None of them gets through this unscathed, and while what happens to each of them is unexplained, it's genuinely horrifying because it feels so authentic. Rarely for this genre, there's never a dull moment, as stripping the nastiness down to its bare essence works its magic. Things escalate in hideous directions, so there's a clear sense that all of this is going to end with a punchline. And Savage keeps something properly chilling up his sleeve.

themes, language, violence

22.Nov.20