WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
The ongoing quest to be liked. No matter where we find ourselves in life, there’s always a point that arrives where we want to be the one who’s popular or who’s at least respected for simply who they are. In the very formative high school years, this journey can be either a fulfilling or potentially crippling affair. Emily (Conner Dwelly) is a nice girl, kind and aware of others, yet has managed to fall in with Amanda (Emma Jean Forth), an uber popular and rather unscrupulous kind, who only thinks about how anyone else’s awkward situation or suffering can bring her and her friends Chelsea (Shealyn Tait) and Rachel (Brook Stephens) entertainment.
Franklin (Josh Tevlin) is a solid kid, striving to be upright and focused in studies to begin securing his future, has likewise chosen to hang with Drew (Trevor Adolf), a known troublemaker and rebel, and his crew Brody (Josh Goodman), Tyler (Jonah Rook), and Jack (Matt Hanzek), all of whom want to put in motion a property-damaging scheme. Then there is Arthur (Scott Bernard), the outcast, a quiet reserved boy who enjoys photography and harbors a serious crush on Emily. However, as each group carries out the actions dictated by their “identities”, what might happen when all of them get reminded about exactly who they really are beyond the surface?
Next, my Mind:
What this reviewer continues to admire about independent film, short or feature length, is the demonstration of fortitude it illustrates in being able to operate on sometimes NO budget, which does sacrifice production value, and yet still present a relevant and engaging narrative about life. This is precisely what man of many, many parts, aka: writer/director/producer/cinematographer/editor Ryan Jamison pulls off in his 28-minute short film that effectively tackles ever-present themes about wanting to be accepted, attaining it by questionable means, and facing the ramifications discovered in the wake of poor choices and peer pressure. Yet, the film also hits on the notions of what change can occur when we’re willing to own up to our mistakes, simply see ourselves as we are, form new habits, and look towards new horizons. The film, despite being made on Jamison’s self-described “high school budget”, actually presents itself fine visually and otherwise, illustrating its points without there being any blatant distractions due to any poor camerawork, editing, or sound.
As is also found in many indie efforts, the film is carried by a sizable ensemble cast to bring the story to life, and honestly, these kids didn’t do bad at all, most likely due to the fact the entire premise of this is centered on teens behaving as, well, teens! So, being right in their overall wheelhouse, it likely seemed natural, even if their actual demeanors didn’t necessarily reflect their real life personalities. It really comes down to Dwelly as Emily, the quintessential “girl-next-door” whose desire to be seen as popular leads to shaky decisions, Tevlin’s Franklin, a young man much smarter than his “I know this isn’t right” actions show here, and Bernard’s Arthur, the subdued loner who has much more to offer if anyone would give him a chance. These are the victims of bullying, mainly verbal, and the three actors present the effects it has on them well. Amanda is the school’s Queen Bee, and it is a well-performed picture of this by Forth, snarky comments and all. Adolf’s well-enacted Drew is likewise the prototypical bully/”cool” kid whose entire mentality is twisted by his innate sense of self-worth.
The supporting turns from Tait, Stephens, Goodman, Rook, and Hanzek are well-played, too, showcasing those who blindly follow these “leaders” rather than truly thinking for themselves, loving the “popularity by association” it brings. Jack Arthur and Darcy Grant also appear as a constantly harassed student Colin and teacher/Franklin’s father, Mr. Harloff. In total, while it’s easy to just say “oh, kids will be kids”, “Façade” chooses to try and deliver a story that invokes how we tend to see people on the surface or via other’s people’s eyes, instead of making up our own minds and just being real, ultimately facing the regrets choices made might bring. If we hide who we are, putting on a “mask” an losing perspective about what’s truly important, how can we ever see that it purely comes down to standing up or giving in.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
