Malibu High

Malibu High from 1979 is an outrageous low-budget exploitation film that doubles as a social critique of the frenzied pursuit of success in America. Starring Jill Lansing in her sole credited movie role as Kim Bentley, Stuart Taylor, and Katie Johnson, the film fuses elements of crime, drama, and thriller genres with lashings of black comedy, as it delves into the dark journey of a disheartened high school senior student as she endeavors to climb the social and financial ladder.

The screenplay by Joan Devlon and director Irvin Berwick, known for his 1950s horror flicks, presents a snapshot of a seemingly innocent schoolgirl who takes a turn towards the dark side. The story paints a vivid picture of a world where nothing is off-limits when it comes to go-getting ambition. From the outset, it seems to be pure pulp, another addition to the moral panic narratives about suburbia, but its execution takes Malibu High a notch higher.

At the heart of the movie is Kim Bentley (Jill Lansing), a seemingly typical teenage girl from Malibu High School dealing with ordinary life problems. After a bad breakup, failing academics, and the stress of her mother's financial struggles, she decides that enough is enough, setting her sights on living the high life by any means necessary. It's a quest that spirals into a sinister game of seduction and criminal activities, far different and darker from her previous beach-town lifestyle.

Lansing's performance as the ruthless, manipulative, yet somehow pitiful Kim Bentley is not only commendable but it also defines the film. Her transformation from an unremarkable high school student to a sultry femme fatale is remarkably captivating. Kim is not a traditional protagonist; she is flawed, provocative, and relatable. Despite her dubious moral compass, Lansing provides a remarkable performance that allows Kim to remain compellingly human, mirroring the incredible lengths some may go to when cornered by the harsh realities of life.

The supporting cast, including Stuart Taylor and Katie Johnson, also deliver commendable performances, contributing significantly to the offbeat and occasionally eerie atmosphere of the film. Taylor plays an amoral and manipulative pimp operating under a guise of respectability, while Johnson is the overly concerned best friend of Kim, giving the viewers a touch of empathy for Kim's situation.

Malibu High's dark narrative doesn't shy away from the gritty side of life in suburban America. Although it starts off in the vein of a typical high school flick, movie-goers are soon gripped by a downward spiral filled with vice, corruption, and violence. Director Berwick expertly interweaves humor amidst the darkness, creating a film that's ultimately a satirical take on the American dream and the lengths some people will go to achieve it.

The cinematography is equally notable, capturing the essence of the California waves and the entrancing landscapes which contrast starkly with Kim's increasingly gritty journey. From sunny beaches to grimy backrooms, the visuals keep the audience hooked throughout.

Upon release, Malibu High was mostly seen as cinema fodder, wrapping up typical expectations of 70s exploitation films. However, in time, it has garnered a solid cult following. Viewers and critics alike have come to appreciate its unconventional storyline, intense performances, and sharp satire on societal norms and aspirations.

In a unique blend of genres with a touch of moral ambiguity, Malibu High is nothing short of a cult classic for any aficionado of 70s era exploitation films. It's a unique exploration of teenage angst and societal pressures gone horribly awry, leading to a life teetering on the edge of disaster. Laced with elements of crime and dark humor, Malibu High is an unforgettable exploration of the destructive pursuit of wealth, status, and the illusion of the perfect life.