Affluenza

Affluenza, directed by Kevin Asch, is a compelling drama film released in 2014. Set against the backdrop of the 2008 financial crisis, the movie boasts an impressive cast featuring Ben Rosenfield, Gregg Sulkin, and Nicola Peltz-Beckham.

The movie tells the story of Fisher Miller (played by Ben Rosenfield), an idealistic and introspective young photographer who moves from Ithaca, NY to the glossy, opulent world of Great Neck, Long Island. Fisher transfers to a posh high school, and with his unique artistic talent, is quickly absorbed into an affluent group of reckless party-loving teens.

Fisher's new group of friends are led by the charismatic and endearing Dylan Carson (portrayed by Gregg Sulkin). Dylan’s world revolves around luxury cars, designer clothes, and lavish parties, all funded by his parents' seemingly endless wealth. His lifestyle is the epitome of opulence and excess, a stark contrast to Fisher's humble roots. Here we see Fisher's struggle as he gets trapped in the depths of materialistic allure and uncontrolled debauchery.

One of the highlights of the group's carefree and self-absorbed lifestyle is Dylan’s stunning girlfriend Kate (vividly portrayed by Nicola Peltz-Beckham). She is a symbol of beauty and perfection in their world. As Fisher becomes engrossed in Dylan's life and the splendor surrounding it, he develops affectionate feelings for Kate, leading to an intricate situation and marking a crucial turning point in the film's narrative.

Affluenza does an excellent job of exploring the darker side of luxury and abundance. The movie captures the characters' worries of maintaining their wealth, image, and dominance, forming a critical observation of the exceedingly materialistic society. In the glimmering world of Great Neck, the characters yearn for more and more, epitomizing the essence of the era: greed, excess, and conspicuous consumption.

However, residing beneath this seemingly perfect world's opulence is a society trapped in its privilege. The characters are detached from the realities of the broader world, where economies are crashing and millions are losing their jobs and homes. The juxtaposition of the different worlds offers viewers a chance to reflect on the themes of youthful rebellion, social status, love, and the gripping fear of loss.

The movie is aesthetically visually pleasing, with glossy party scenes and grand luxuriant interiors portraying the rich and the famous' lifestyle. The cinematography adds a beautiful yet haunting undertone to the narrative. Despite the film's darker themes, the stunning visuals draw in the viewers and successfully narrate a tale of delusion, extravagance, and ignorance.

Director Kevin Asch does a fantastic job of crafting a narrative teeming with drama, tension, love, and youthful recklessness. Despite its heavy themes, Affluenza doesn't feel preachy or overly dramatic. Instead, the film provides a cynical reflection of society's obsession with wealth and status, leaving viewers to interpret the story in their own way.

The performances by the young cast, especially by Ben Rosenfield, Gregg Sulkin, and Nicola Peltz Beckham, deserve praise. They create believable characters that resonate with the audience, making viewers invested in their stories.

Affluenza is a brave and critical study of a culture plagued by materialism. It puts the society's excess under a microscope, revealing a world where happiness and fulfilment hinge on wealth and privilege. This film keeps the viewers engaged in the characters' lives and makes them question society's ideals and the heavy price of excess.

Overall, Affluenza is a film full of emotional conflict and hard truths, gilded with beautiful, haunting visuals and heart-wrenching performances. This film shines a light on the darker side of affluence and privilege, making it a poignant watch for anyone looking for a gripping exploration of youth, wealth, love, and status in the face of extreme societal pressures. It is definitely a must-watch for those who enjoy exploring society's dramatic, intricate, and darker facets.