Contest

Contest is a 2013 dramatic movie that touches on the severe issue of school bullying. It offers a thought-provoking and insightful view into the very real struggles that many adolescents face on a daily basis. The movie superbly blends drama and heartbreak with moments of redemption and reconciliation, demonstrating the beauty that can arise from overcoming intense adversities.

Directed by Anthony Joseph Giunta, the movie hosts a strong cast led by Kenton Duty, popular for Disney Channel's Shake It Up, Danny Flaherty, known for his role in The Wolf of Wall Street, and Mary Beth Peil, a familiar face from Dawson's Creek. The film uniquely employs the spirit of competition as a metaphor to work through harsh realities while unmasking the predators and their prey in a high school setting.

In Contest, Duty and Flaherty portray characters who are poles apart in the traditional high school social hierarchy. Kenton Duty is Matt Prylek, the popular swim team star, who appears to have everything – he is popular, athletic and is adored by the student body. On the other side of the spectrum is Danny Flaherty's character, Tommy Dolen, a talented baker shuffling through life as the school outcast, regularly facing bullying from his peers.

The movie opens in the small yet socially fraught world of a high school in a small town. Matt and Tommy find themselves partnered in a prestigious national high school cooking contest for a high-stakes grand prize – a scholarship. Given their contrasting social statuses and the prevalent stigma of bullying, working together in harmony presents itself as a tremendous task. They are driven by not just the desire to win the contest, but also to navigate the societal barriers that the partnership brings to the forefront.

As they each work toward their shared goal, they are forced to address the issues that their peculiar alliance shines a light upon. The contest becomes a canvas to display the harsh reality and impacts of bullying, manipulative tactics, and social stigma in a high school ecosystem which can often mirror greater society.

Mary Beth Peil stars as Tommy's caring and wise grandmother who motivates and supports him through his trials and tribulations. Her character, as an experienced senior citizen, provides profound insights about life, competition, and friendship. She guides the young boys in a world where they are forced to confront their fears and insecurities, reshaping their perspectives on devalued virtues such as bravery, compassion, and acceptance.

As the story progresses, it not only emphasizes the critical issue of bullying but also illuminates the importance of empathy, understanding, and unity. Contest relies on an emotionally charged storyline to showcase how understanding another's point of view can challenge preconceived notions and prejudices.

The movie offers a multi-dimensional character analysis revealing not just the observable behaviors, but also the hidden layers behind the personas of both the bully and the victim. It explores the toxic dynamics that can exist within the close quarters of a school, affecting the students both mentally and emotionally.

Dealing with a sensitive but relevant theme, Contest ties in hope, redemption, and friendship to balance the harsh realities it brings to the screen. It endeavors to convey an important message about courage, resilience, and acceptance, all wrapped in a stirring story that resonates with both adolescents and adults.

In a nutshell, Contest manages to transmit the essence of an intense issue like bullying through the lens of a compelling narrative that highlights the necessity for change and the power we all possess to start it. The movie not only sparks a dialogue about bullying but also promotes solidarity and empathy toward fellow human beings, making it a must-watch for audience members seeking a thoughtful and substantial exploration of societal problems through a gripping narrative.