Black Circle Boys

Black Circle Boys is a unique and atmospheric thriller from 1997 that immediately grabs your attention and refuses to let go. Directed by Matthew Carnahan, the film stars Scott Bairstow, Eric Mabius, and Tara Subkoff. It's an unsettling exploration of the subculture of occultism, teen angst, rebellion, and alienation presented through a narrative lens that skilfully combines horror, drama, and mystery.

As we delve into the movie's storyline, Bairstow plays Kyle Sullivan, a promising swimmer who moves to a small Northwest city following a family tragedy. He tries his best to focus on his swimming and maintain an everyman persona. However, his pain and the constant sense of being an outsider in a new town draws him toward a peculiar group – the eponymous Black Circle Boys.

At the heart of this group is Shane, chillingly portrayed by Eric Mabius, who is the charismatic and darkly enigmatic leader of this dangerous cult. He cultivates an environment of anarchistic behavior, drugs, challenging and renouncing authority, while dabbling in pseudo-Satanic rituals, all in a bid to promote a sense of belonging and brotherhood. Despite his better judgment, Kyle becomes fascinated by the exhilarating freedom, excitement, and camaraderie offered by the group, too embroiled to realize the menacing undertones beneath the surface.

Tara Subkoff portrays Chloe, a character that stands as a noticeable anomaly in the testosterone-fueled, reckless world of the Black Circle Boys. She is a tough and independent young woman who, as the girlfriend of the group's most volatile member, Moose, fights to keep her head above the water. Chloe's complicated relationship with Kyle adds further depth and emotion to the film.

The movie delves into the 'boys' spiraling journey towards a psychological abyss, under the guise of esoteric rituals and unabashed rebelliousness. Despite the compelling allure of this brotherhood, Kyle soon wakes up to its inherent destructive nature. His efforts to disentangle himself from the group's clutches and their consequent resistance against his attempts sets the stage for much of the movie's tension, conflict, and horror.

Carnahan has skillfully combined typical teenage rebellion with the unsettling world of the occult to construct a deeply atmospheric thriller. The usage of muted lighting, innovative cinematography, and sinister music contribute greatly to the overall mood of the movie, adding an additional layer of eeriness and tension. The dark tones and gritty visuals of the film serve to enhance the underlying themes of alienation, rebellion, and the dangerous allure of the forbidden.

This film sees compelling performances from its ensemble cast, with Bairstow demonstrating a gripping portrayal of the conflicted and tormented Kyle. Eric Mabius delivers an equally absorbing performance as the charismatic and unhinged Shane whose magnetic but dangerously flawed personality forms the central conflict of the story. Tara Subkoff successfully enacts the evolution of her character Chloe from a troubled young woman to someone who navigates her way through chaos and uncertainty.

Black Circle Boys tells a tale of symmetry; of how the struggle between fostering brotherhood can soon morph into a sinister manipulation, and how the pursuit of escape from personal grief can lead one towards an even darker abyss. It's not just a movie about teenage rebellion and cult. The film thoughtfully delves into the psychological interplay between its characters, and of how easily the insecurities and pain of adolescence can be exploited by darker forces.

Overall, Black Circle Boys remains an unconventional cult classic that artfully examines the raw, chaotic world of youth and rebellion. This movie isn't for the faint of heart, but for those willing to delve deep into the twisted psyche of the adolescents it portrays. It may compel you to edge to the brink of your seat. The film's realistic performances, unique narrative style, and haunting atmospheric design come together to make a memorable cinematic experience that stays with its viewers for a long time to come.