The movie

The 1990s, an American suburb. Zach and Josh are two perfectly normal teenagers. The two friends have a lot in common, including their attraction to the beautiful Allison. Everything changes when they go to a park with some friends and decide to play with a katana. At first just a small accident, the situation soon turns into a disaster that sucks the teens into a downward spiral of guilt, violence and paranoia. Half Donnie Darko, half Stand By Me, Super Dark Times is much more than an exercise in nostalgia. It is a visceral exploration of teenage angst. With a brilliant direction, as well as a bright and crisp cinematography by Eli Born, the film is full of sinister images that could have been created by Lars von Trier. Going beyond the initiation story, Kevin Phillips’ feature is an accurate and sweet portrayal of the anxiety associated with this youth living through a horror version of the late 20th century. A real gem!