Twice I've watched it and both times I've cried at exactly the same spots. Few films deliver a double punch like that. Considering the micro budget, that's a major achievement.
Based on spoiler criticism of the ending on IMDb, I almost didn't buy it. Who needs another film with a tragic gay ending but as I was to learn, the tragedy part was quickly followed by redemption. In the aftermath, Mike realizes that the fears both boys had over their sexuality were really overblown. The universal acceptance by the teacher, the parents and even the school bully will serve as notice to any at risk teen that it does indeed get better.
I also liked the photographic style. It was competently shot and the colorist has done a fine job. While budget restrictions meant this was always going to have a video feel, I for one appreciate the authentic capture of the southern latitude light. Only films shot in places like Melbourne, Sao Paulo and Cape Town have this crisp electric big sky southern hemisphere look and that can easily be lost when layered with big budget Hollywood "film look" processing.
Finally, a note about actor Lucas Linehan. While I can't comment on his acting skills (a role like this is pretty standard teen angst and any soap actor could have rendered it as well), what made his involvement special was his decision to sink his own savings at the 11th hour to save the film. From the interviews he's done, it's clear that struggles with sexuality are not part of his own personal story, yet he felt passionate enough about the project and the director to make a stake.
Thank you Lucas! Thank you Lee!
Based on spoiler criticism of the ending on IMDb, I almost didn't buy it. Who needs another film with a tragic gay ending but as I was to learn, the tragedy part was quickly followed by redemption. In the aftermath, Mike realizes that the fears both boys had over their sexuality were really overblown. The universal acceptance by the teacher, the parents and even the school bully will serve as notice to any at risk teen that it does indeed get better.
I also liked the photographic style. It was competently shot and the colorist has done a fine job. While budget restrictions meant this was always going to have a video feel, I for one appreciate the authentic capture of the southern latitude light. Only films shot in places like Melbourne, Sao Paulo and Cape Town have this crisp electric big sky southern hemisphere look and that can easily be lost when layered with big budget Hollywood "film look" processing.
Finally, a note about actor Lucas Linehan. While I can't comment on his acting skills (a role like this is pretty standard teen angst and any soap actor could have rendered it as well), what made his involvement special was his decision to sink his own savings at the 11th hour to save the film. From the interviews he's done, it's clear that struggles with sexuality are not part of his own personal story, yet he felt passionate enough about the project and the director to make a stake.
Thank you Lucas! Thank you Lee!