Reach

Reach (2018) is a poignant, moving take on the timeless themes of friendship, bullying, and hope. Directed by Leif Rokesh and produced by Autumn Bailey and Charles Box Jr., it stars the well-known actors Corbin Bernsen, Kevin Sizemore, and Garrett Clayton, and infuses the storytelling with powerful, emotionally charged performances that reflect the raw, sensitive nature of the topic - the profound anguish of teen bullying.

Garrett Clayton, a former Disney Channel star known for his roles in Teen Beach Movie and Hairspray Live, delivers an impressive, heartfelt performance as Steven Turano, a socially-isolated high-school student grappling with despair and contemplating suicide. Pushed to the edge by daily bullying, Steven is consumed by loneliness and struggles to find his place in the harsh landscape of high school life. His character feels suffocatingly real, reflecting the struggle and isolation that many teenagers feel and underscoring the gravity of bullying.

Yet, Reach is not all doom and gloom. Steven finds unlikely companionship when a new resident of the neighborhood, Clarence West (Johnny James Fiore), enrolls at his school. The unlikely friendship between Steven and Clarence forms the backbone of the narrative. It's wonderfully heartwarming and uplifting, providing a sense of hope amid the melancholy.

Clarence, with his charismatic personality and light-hearted demeanor, brings a breath of fresh air into Steven's life. This companionship helps Steven find the courage to stand up for himself and confront his tormentors. The dynamics of their unique bond not only reshape Steven's outlook on life but also carry the film to its emotionally satisfying climax.

In supporting roles, Kevin Sizemore applies his acting skills impeccably as Steven's father, Gary, while Corbin Bernsen embodies the character of the high school's principal, Mr. Tony Perkins. Both actors enrich the plot, contributing further layers of complexity to the narrative.

Reach is a film that draws its power from the depiction of the struggles that young teenagers face every day. The nuanced portrayal of Steven's daily hardships is enhanced by the screenwriting efforts of Maria Capp, Johnny James Fiore, and Grant Harling, and it successfully captures the viewer's empathy. It stimulates deep thought and encourages introspection of universal social behaviors where aggression and dominance cause irreparable harm.

Depicting an important social issue like bullying with such rawness was a bold choice, but it's a choice that the directors and the cast have made with utmost sensitivity and respect. An important recurrent theme in the movie is the impact of social media on high school life and its sometimes devastating consequences - a topic that is timely and relevant to the current digital age.

The cinematography of the movie is immersive and complements the tone of the story perfectly. The subtle lighting and shots evoke the claustrophobic experience of high school and contribute to the sense of authenticity, immersion, and inevitability. The soundtrack, sprinkled with a combination of indie rock and softer tones, inject further emotional depth into the scenes, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

In essence, Reach is an heartfelt exploration of friendship, self-discovery, emotional growth, and the importance of reaching out in times of despair. It's about how a single act of kindness can tip the scales, change lives, and end the countless instances of silent suffering that so many teenagers endure. It's a wake-up call - a call for empathy and understanding, a cry against the unreasonable torment many young people face in their formative years.

Although Reach is heartbreaking in its depiction of ongoing bullying and the destruction it leads to, it's also a story about hope. It reminds viewers of the power of compassion, friendship, and the human spirit. In a world filled with movies that paint overly-glamorized portraits of high school, Reach cuts through the illusion to focus on the reality many teenagers face daily, urging us to delve into the narrative and ultimately, to reach out.

In summary, Reach is a beautifully crafted film with skilled direction, an ace cast, and a potent storyline that is bound to touch hearts and provoke thought. It's a film that stays with you, echoing its profound message long after the credits roll.