My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea

My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea is a 2016 American animated movie written, illustrated and directed by renowned graphic novelist, Dash Shaw. The film takes a sharp, sardonic and refreshingly original dive into the world of high school drama repackaged with the exciting elements of thrilling disaster films. Truly capturing the spirit of teen angst while adhering to the fascinating realm of animated fantasy, this adolescent adventure takes the audience on a turbulent journey of survival and self-discovery.

The film boasts an outstanding ensemble cast which includes Jason Schwartzman, Reggie Watts, Lena Dunham, Maya Rudolph, and Susan Sarandon. Schwartzman voices Dash (named after the director), an ambitious, socially awkward sophomore who considers himself a serious journalist and works tirelessly for the school newspaper. Watts lends his voice to Assaf, Dash's best friend and a fellow staff member on the newspaper, while Lena Dunham voices Verti, the editor who comes in love-triangle conflict with Dash. Sarandon voices the stoic and strong lunch lady, Lorraine, who plays an unexpected role in the plot.

As the title suggests, this isn't your average high school experience. Set in Tides High School, precariously perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the story takes a chaotic turn when an earthquake hits, causing the school to tumble into the sea and sink, floor by floor. Amidst this sudden catastrophe, the students and faculty are thrown into an unexpected survival quest, while Dash, Assaf, and Verti seek to navigate the choppy waters of high-school politics, unraveled friendships, teen romance, and of course, a rapidly sinking school building.

The film is essentially a comedic spin on classic disaster films, but more than just the physical danger, it delves into the challenges teens face in their formative years - the struggles of finding one’s identity, the anguish of failing friendships, the excitement and confusion of blossoming love, all while portraying the classic hierarchy of high school cliques, from the popular jocks and cheerleaders to the nerdy outcasts.

A unique feature of this film lies in its vibrant, hand-drawn approach to animation that draws significantly on Dash Shaw's background in comic books. A hearty departure from the polished aesthetics of mainstream animations, its raw and vivid visuals capture the film's eccentric narrative and enhance the chaotic and surreal elements of its plot. The expressive use of abstract imagery and bold colors create a visual sequence that is both fresh and compelling to the viewers. There is an experimental flair that makes it stand out.

My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea delivers a non-stop, psychedelic joyride for the audience, brimming with ironic humor, quippy dialogues and emotional depth. It is an unpredictable mix of high school drama, disaster movie tropes, and animated fantasy interwoven into a unique narrative. Despite the catastrophic backdrop, the movie provocatively shines a light on the human side of disaster, exploring how teenagers with unrefined hormones would react in a crisis situation.

The voice actors in the film defy the cartoon sophomore persona, lending emotional gravitas and depth to their characters. Schwartzman flawlessly embodies Dash's nerdy intensity and insecurities, while Watts provides a softer touch with Assaf's patient and sensitive nature. Dunham and Rudolph offer fine performances as young women trying to assert themselves in a world dominated by machismo, with Sarandon's determined lunch lady serving as a tough-as-nails beacon in the face of disaster.

In conclusion, My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea is a unique amalgamation of disaster, drama, and animated fantasy that offers a fresh perspective into the well-trodden path of high school narratives. Its psychedelic visuals, memorable characters, and poignant exploration of adolescence make it a watch that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly different. It will resonate with anyone who has walked the hallowed halls of high school, navigated teenage friendships, or merely enjoys a good, unique, and slightly off-kilter animated tale.