M.F.A.

"M.F.A." is a 2017 film directed by Natalia Leite which stars Francesca Eastwood, Clifton Collins Jr., Leah McKendrick, and others. The movie, which belongs to the thriller genre, spins a narrative that explores the gruesome depths of assault and revenge within a university setting. The title of the movie, M.F.A., is derived from the Master of Fine Arts degree that the main character, Noelle (played by Francesha Eastwood), is pursuing, attesting to the academic backdrop against which the movie unfolds.

Francesca Eastwood delivers a compelling performance as Noelle, a promising art student pursuing her M.F.A. degree at the fictional Balboa University, based in California. Noelle is depicted as an introverted and focused individual who is passionate about her artwork but struggles to convey her emotions and communicate her ideas effectively through her art. In an attempt to combat her artistic blocks, Noelle reluctantly attends a campus party, an event that forever changes her life when she becomes a victim of a sexual assault.

The movie follows the aftermath of this harrowing experience as Noelle tries to gather the courage to report the incident but is met with dismissive attitudes from campus authorities who downplay her concerns and ignore her plea for justice. With the system refusing to help her, Noelle takes it upon herself to serve her own form of justice, unwittingly discovering her hidden strength and finding a confrontational voice for her art in the process. Noelle eventually becomes a vigilante heroine, a powerful symbol of the fight against sexual assault.

The movie "M.F.A." takes an unflinching gaze at the topic of sexual assault and how society often contributes to its perpetuation through systems that favor the abuser, creating a horrifying mockery of the so-called justice system. The movie simultaneously explores the idea of revenge in a world where the legal system has failed, questioning how far an individual might go for what they perceive as justice.

This narrative is masterfully tied with Noelle's artistic journey which serves as an emotional core of the film. The more Noelle delves into her pursuit of justice, the more her art evolves. It gradually becomes a powerful medium reflecting her experiences and emotional state, portraying the intense emotions she undergoes and her transformation from a victim into a survivor.

Francesca Eastwood delivers a dynamic and strong performance, embodying Noelle's character perfectly. She portrays Noelle's journey from a shy art student to a woman who's determined to seek vengeance on her perpetrator with an engaging intensity.

Clifton Collins Jr. plays the role of Kennedy, an experienced and idiosyncratic police officer who uncovers odd patterns in recent crimes around campus and starts his investigation. Leah McKendrick, who plays Skye, adds another layer to the narrative as Noelle's do-good roommate and next best friend. Her character further emphasizes the insidious ways assault can take place and the violence with which it intrudes into women's everyday lives.

"M.F.A." effectively benefits from Leite's thoughtful direction, McKendrick's smart writing and a skillful score by Sonya Belousova. Alongside this, the cinematography aids in setting the chilling mood of the film, using a blend of muted colors to signify the severity of the topic dealt within the movie.

Although the movie explores a difficult and sensitive subject matter, it provides an important critique and highlights the essentiality of a dialogue about these issues in real life. Despite its somber plot, "M.F.A." manages to expose some harsh truths of society while demonstrating the empowerment of a young woman who refused to be silenced. It doesn't shy away from the controversial discussions revolving around sexual assault and vigilante justice, making it not just important, but necessary viewing.