WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Mania. Total, unrestrained, unmitigated fixation. In a society where the once innocent concept of “hero worship” has turned into social media-infused frenzy and unhealthy levels of celebrity idolization, expectation, and obsession from fans, how does one cope with it all when only being in the still-impressionable teenage years? What happens when a so-called “idol” falls? Amber Gorman (Cat Van Dort) is what one might call a super fan of the now “it” boy band One Summer. Joining a legion of teen girls who have like-minded fantasies about their favorite member of the group, Amber chooses to takes things one step further and starts to write a fan fiction novella focused on her personal favorite guy, lead singer Charlie Love (Will Finlason).
Taking advantage of any and every opportunity to be near her flame while mustering followers online through her novella, all seems fine and dandy in the world until a sudden announcement shatters every super fan of Charlie and One Summer’s heart–Charlie has chosen to leave the band. From this point, Amber’s deep infatuation turns to dangerous compulsion, as she manages to stalk and menace Charlie directly to the extent that not only does she ultimately learn harsh facts about the music business he’s in, but also reveals to him that their paths have actually crossed before, and in a way not conducive to Charlie’s good fortune. As the situation escalates, how far will a fan go to see things made “right”?
Next, my Mind:
Based on elements presented in a documentary film about real-life boy band sensation One Direction, writer/director/co-producer Andi Osho delves deep into the genuinely frightening world of teen preoccupation, unrequited and pent-up desires, and the idolatry-level fascination with celebrities this current culture has via exploring one fan’s ultimately disturbed interest in her favorite band and it’s lead singer. The narrative hurtles along as it immerses the viewer into the crazy realm of super fans and the literal lengths they will go to in order to illustrate exactly how much they adore their target group or individual, then showcasing how one fan’s devotion can turn unbalanced and dysfunctional at the drop of a hat or, in this case, a band member. Watching events get taken to this arena of thought and action is in itself scary, knowing that it very much mirrors symptoms found in our present social media-soaked reality. The potent viewpoint this film takes on in its execution provides a more unique look at the greater concepts/themes intended, which also makes the messages intended sink into the viewer’s mind in more impactful ways.
Van Dort is a marvel as the loyal, staunch, committed One Summer fan Amber, a young teen girl still in a stage of complete infatuation with her beloved Charlie, and whose passion and enthusiasm for him turns dark when a simple announcement sends her over the edge, revealing that her grip on the actual circumstances and what has brought them about so greatly contradicts the “perfect” world and actuality she has in her head about Charlie, with no sense of the real world in play. Even when confronting Charlie, her mind races to the fantasy she wants rather than maintaining a sense of the now, though the one aspect of her connection to him that is real does rock his reality deeply. Van Dort excels at bringing the dynamics of this obsessed teen to life in a realistic, edgy, and heartbreaking way. Finlason likewise shines as the burned out, weary, pessimistic Charlie, now an adult who really has no desire to be a part of the insanity that is One Summer anymore. His need to grow up and move on to other endeavors is sincere, but in being confronted by this one crazed fan, his perspective on life, recent decisions, and his future does encounter a decidedly abrasive but telling pause, well performed by Finlason.
Their scenes together are filled with such a palpable tension the situation demands, and it really makes one wonder if this would be how a celebrity in this position might handle such an instance. Supporting turns are provided from a legion of young actors playing the super fans, along with Rekha John-Cheriyan as Amber’s Mom plus Anjali Maya Chadha and Chloe Okora as police officers who are more than familiar with Amber’s proclivities when it comes to One Summer and Charlie. In total, with its in-your-face delivery and relevant, compelling, and persuasive narrative, “Amber” is a noteworthy short film effort that ideally will be seen by as many teenagers as possible in order to learn a lesson from it, but also to serve as a reminder that it’s ok to be a devout super fan, but just don’t lose touch with reality while your at it.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
