Dismissed

Dismissed is a thrilling and intriguing motion picture that was first released in 2017. The movie boasts a captivating, suspense-driven narrative that has the audience on the edge of their seats and marks the chilling return to the silver screen of the former Disney star, Dylan Sprouse. The film is helmed by the talented director, Benjamin Arfmann, known for his knack for crafting suspenseful narratives. The screenplay is skillfully penned by Brian McAuley. The movie also stars experienced actor Kent Osborne and remarkable actress Rae Gray, who both deliver commendable performances.

In Dismissed, Dylan Sprouse portrays Lucas Ward, a high-performing student whose intense obsession with perfection is eerily riveting. Dylan's performance is both captivating and terrifying, and he does a beautiful job in embodying the character's obsession-driven shifts from controlled and charming to quietly menacing. Sprouse's performance undoubtedly proves that he's capable of subverting his previous Disney persona and delving deeply into darker roles.

Kent Osborne plays Mr. Butler, a high school English teacher who's passionate about his job and committed to inspiring his students. However, he unexpectedly meets his biggest challenge when Lucas moves into his classroom. Lucas' perfectionistic tendencies initially appear to be merely a minor quirk until Mr. Butler discovers that they stem from a much darker place than he could ever have imagined.

On the other hand, Rae Gray plays Becca, who is intricately involved in this spine-chilling story, her character adding another layer of complexity to the story. Her role and her actions significantly impact the ever-intensifying turmoil erupting between Lucas and Mr. Butler.

In terms of cinematography and editing, the film uses these features to underscore the overall tension effectively. The environments are staged in a way to reflect the escalating anxiety and impending doom that the narrative continually inches towards, while the editing presents the story in a non-linear manner at times to enhance the suspense and mystery surrounding Lucas. The subtle yet impactful use of lighting and music also significantly contribute to maintaining the air of unease and anxiety throughout the movie.

Dismissed ingeniously explores the depths of human obsession and the lengths individuals will go to when they feel as though they have been wronged. By juxtaposing the seemingly idyllic backdrop of high school with the dark and sinister narrative, the movie manages to make the climactic moments even more impactful. The film’s ability to successfully blur the lines between right and wrong, while engaging its audience with the performances and the narrative, underscores the overarching theme of the corrupting influence of obsession.

The story flawlessly intertwines elements of drama, thriller, and horror. It creates a gripping plot with incredible, unexpected twists that keep the audience guessing and questioning the true intentions of its characters. The film is successful in building tension and character dynamics that sustain the viewers' engagement to the very end.

These complexities in the film make Dismissed a compelling movie that goes beyond being merely a psychological thriller. The movie provides a stark commentary on the education system's fault lines and the consequences of uncontrolled obsession with perfection and success. In a societal climate that often places immense pressure on the shoulders of young students, Dismissed prompts the audience to reflect on the costs of such expectations and their potential consequences.

In conclusion, Dismissed is an intense examination of raw human emotions and meticulous manipulations filled with subtle fright and an atmospheric slow burn. This dramatic thriller distinguishes itself through its meticulously crafted characters, thrilling narrative and climactic moments. The combined performances of Dylan Sprouse, Kent Osborne, and Rae Gray, as well as the accomplished storytelling of director Benjamin Arfmann, make Dismissed a must-see film for fans of psychological thrillers and suspense dramas.