WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
A contrasting perspective. Does it not become more evident when looking at the world around us that for all the individuals who choose to see things a certain way, there are at least an equal number who are experiencing it completely opposite or, at minimum, via an alternative stance? How we decide to ascertain facets of life will often defines us, BUT can also tend to then classify us as “part of the crowd” in mindset, regardless of which way we’re thinking. Therefore, what occurs when someone genuinely translates reality in a particularly focused, unique manner? Michael (Joshua Griffin) is such a person, a boy who simply embraces life through a spectrum that allows him a deeply empathetic, even if somewhat naïve, outlook on all he takes in. When a series of white supremacist-initiated terrorist bombings rock London, Michael’s innocent curiosity about it leads him to confront the darkness unlike anyone else could imagine. However, is it for better or worse?
Next, my Mind:
A dynamically intense, evocative, compelling, stirring, and wholly relevant amalgamation of drama and thriller wrapped into a smartly executed 15-minute runtime, this Oscar qualifying short film from writer/director/executive producer Phil Dunn, producer Gabrielle Oliver, and executive producer Kevin McGrath wears its emotional volatility on its sleeve with a level of purpose that does incredible credit to indie film’s ability to tackle multiple thematic foundations, combine them convincingly, and create a necessary statement about today’s modern travails, mental health awareness, and ultimately the desperate need for key things this world requires MUCH more of–compassion, understanding, the value of family, and the unrelenting potency of kindness. Precisely HOW this film conveys these aspects is what makes it stand out, and why this critic holds sincere hope that the project, even in its current successes, has opportunity to shine brightly even more abundantly.
The narrative centered on a wonderfully guiltless young boy whose approach to seeing life remains filled with verity, his well-meaning, devoted, but somewhat divided parents, terrorism, and an angry, fragmented man on the edge drives forward with initially calm, endearing energy before methodically, intentionally, and intelligently building into a growing atmosphere of unease and an accompanying portrait of not just conflicting familial attitudes but also sane vs. fanatical ideologies. This meshing of concepts brilliantly ends up encompassing a final lesson in overt, seemingly reckless-in-the-moment CARING that transcends all else and leaves you utterly speechless as a viewer, no overstatement at ALL, given the circumstances we’ve seen up to that final decisive instance the finale delivers, fully cementing the film’s objectives in your head in a fashion that lingers and ushers in (or, honestly, it SHOULD) a lot of contemplation in its aftermath.
Addressing a kaleidoscope of thematic explorations that quickly but unmistakably tackle notions such as unimpeachable virtue of soul clashing with the reality of being aware of what isn’t actually productive or good for you, forgiveness vs. a more stringent approach to handling situations, bullying and being unduly taken advantage of, varying demeanors on parenting, mental wellness and necessary understanding, manipulative utilization of someone else’s pain and rage, twisting of religion as a cornerstone justification for carrying out atrocities, and that exercising random acts of gentle grace CAN have an impact, the film remains another study in what it is to be human, on both the most basic and extreme platforms, and hence why I mentioned earlier that I really want to trust everyone who watches this effort WILL take it to heart across the board but then put at least SOME of the HEALTHY aspects of how we SHOULD strive to be towards each other that are shown into practice rather than taking all displayed for granted.
Griffin embodies such a beautifully heartening force of sweet positivity, charming intellect, and winning intent via his role and performance as Michael, a boy enraptured in how he witnesses the actuality he’s surrounded with even in the midst of total tension, whether relatively mildly at home or more blatantly outside of it. Suddenly made more aware of the instances of terror occurring in London, his innate inquisitiveness associated with certain notions he overhears on the radio prompts him to start asking questions that his parents are quite split in how to answer and/or address with him, given his quietly subdued personality. Even as he himself experiences personal battles with others who are trying to abuse his affable ways, Michael’s depth of belief in what altruism can accomplish gets exercised in the last way anyone sees coming–and could change not just Michael’s outlook on things, but potentially that of an entire city–and maybe even beyond?
It’s a perfectly credible and impactful performance Griffin provides and it sells you on the character from beginning to end, rooting for him and realizing that the film’s title IS apropos, but NOT necessarily in the ways you would normally figure. Primary supporting roles are present first from Derek Elroy as Michael’s father Adio who while despises the news of the ongoing attacks also isn’t afraid to address the issues involved with Michael and often has a more overall forgiving approach to how he responds to his son’s actions and demeanor. Ellie Piercy is Polly, Michael’s mother who appears a little more anxious, high-strung, and less willing to “baby” Michael but rather believe she needs to teach him to stand up for himself more given his meek attitudes and social gullibility. Shaun Mason plays Stephen, a man already fractured in mind and actions now involved in a nefarious group and an associated act that will define his legacy and pain–until the situation he believes is the answer experiences a major hitch which will alter who he is again.
Barry Aird is Marcus, the head of the organization causing the troubles in London and whose charismatic disposition yet altogether warped views taint all he’s in contact with, including Stephen. Aryana Ramkhalawon is Mrs. Singh, a new teacher at Michael’s school and who gets a quick lesson Michael’s nature and knows she needs to watch out for him. Additional appearances are made by Winifred Darlington and Kareem Nasif with voice-only offerings from Justine Greene, Ruben Crow, and Zannah Hodson. So, in total, “The Stupid Boy” soars high on its ideas of misplaced perceptions, misguided paradigms, the beauty of possessing an impeccable way of absorbing the world, and chancing being seen AS foolish (or foolhardy!) in drastic action taken that ends up showcasing something that we’ve heard countless times yet don’t seem to want to grasp anywhere near enough–selfless LOVE CAN transform the differences we think appear daunting and impossible to reshape. Even IF it is ONE person at a time, let’s learn to initiate these kinds of greater encounters amongst ourselves (minus the extremes in circumstances shown here ideally!) instead of fostering hate and separation. Just saying.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
