Rich Kids

Rich Kids, a 1979 film directed by Robert M. Young and featuring Trini Alvarado and Jeremy Levy, is an insightful exploration of the complex emotional landscape of adolescence, particularly as it is affected by the surrounding environment and familial issues. The movie is a refreshing blend of drama and comedy with rich, memorable performances by its young leads.

Trini Alvarado plays the role of Jamie Harris, a 12 year-old girl from Manhattan, New York City. She's a young, intelligent, and observant teenager who's trying to navigate her own feelings and understanding of the world. Her evolving emotional maturity and profound empathy are offset by her spontaneous sense of humor, making her a captivating and relatable character.

The story takes on a more complex tone with the introduction of Franny Philips, portrayed by Jeremy Levy, who also comes from a well-to-do family similar to Jamie's. He’s unique in his own way, demonstrating a charming blend of wit, introspection, and innocence. Combined with Jamie’s narrative, the dynamic between these two rich kids forms the crux of the movie.

What sets Rich Kids apart is its portrayal of how the divorce of Jamie’s parents disrupts the fabric of her world. The film shows how these two rich kids, who are on the cusp of adolescence, struggle and negotiate with the emotional upheavals brought on by this traumatic event in their lives. Their parents' divorce begins to serve as an unexpected backdrop to their friendship, punctuating their carefree world with a dose of stark reality.

The movie highlights the complexities of their emotions, illustrating how their personal feelings often conflict with their attempts to understand the bigger picture. They often find themselves caught between their parents’ world, full of adult complications and conflicts, and their own world, which longs to hold onto uncomplicated childhood. These opposing realms often overlap, leaving Jamie and Franny to dive into some serious introspection.

While the film addresses serious issues like divorce and the loss of innocence, the heartening friendship between Jamie and Franny retains a lifeline to their innocence. Their bond provides a tender counterpoint to the adult world's messy divorce proceedings and affairs. Their innocent plans, dreams, and the creation of their unique, childish utopia underscore the core message of the film—the importance and resilience of a child’s spirit.

The script by Judith Ross is brilliantly executed, guiding viewers through the intricate nexus of emotions within an adolescent’s mind while portraying the complexities of a broken family. The comedic elements are often morbidly humorous, yet skillfully measured to balance the intensely dramatic narrative.

The standout features of this movie are the earnest and credible performances by Alvarado and Levy. They convincingly portray the unsettling feelings of anxiety, bewilderment, and turmoil of two adolescents grappling with their parental divorce. Their performances add a depth of realism that invites the audience to be a part of their journey, experiencing their peppery innocence, melancholy, and laughter.

Director Robert M. Young, known for his achievements in independent cinema, delivers a remarkable work in Rich Kids. His execution walks a delicate line between comedy and drama without overstepping into either genre, thereby keeping the narrative crisp, engaging, and heartfelt. His approach allows the viewer to explore the kaleidoscope of emotions that tinges the world of Jamie and Franny.

Rich Kids is an honest, captivating, and raw portrayal of growing up amidst changing family dynamics. The movie brilliantly amplifies the voice of the adolescent protagonists as they navigate the complexities of their seemingly privilege-laced world. The narrative embraces the sophistication of adulthood, the honesty of youth, and the comedy that emerges in life’s most unpredictable moments. The film leaves an indelible impression, making it a timeless object of thought-provoking cinema.