- Sensibility: A rather bloody incident and end sequence are odd, but, otherwise, everything is fairly reasonable.
- Cinematography: Great framing, shot-making, and color grading, combined with eccentric music choices, create unforgettable images that elevate the story tremendously. A few oddly edited shots or unnecessary, like a dolly zoom out of a school building with a PA announcement, and a noticeable finger-double are the only drawbacks to an overall visually stunning film.
- Energy: The film drags a bit, particularly in a brief stint after a prank with roaches, but strong visuals, gripping character dynamics, and great score and soundtrack keep things moving.
- Narrative: Perhaps, my favorite coming of age story. The film is incredibly unique, being a coming of age thriller (yes, seriously a thriller), while still having characters that have universal appeal. The group of kids, the dialogue, and the choreography all capture the dark realities of growing up. You know child characters are well written when you feel like you knew these kids growing up.
Painfully relatable and nostalgic story about being yourself, fitting-in, and being an outcast.
- T-Points: The film received five bonus points: one for an incredible opening sequence filmed underwater, one for the score and sound design (particularly moments of chanting sounds around the kids' dialogue), one for an earnest question about an older man's experience in his 20s, one for a crying close-up dissolve into a shot of a symmetrical, reflective pool, and one for a great combination of costuming, hair-styling, casting, and performance from the whole cast but particularly Kayo Martin who plays Jake.
Blown away. How many films are a coming-of-age-thriller? This is the first I've seen, and it is absolutely brilliant. It really took me back, reminding me of all the anxiety and frustration of being a kid and wanting to fit in. Brilliant dialogue, visuals, color-grading, and sound design made for an unforgettable theater experience.
Number of Watches: 1
