Suicide Party: #Save Dave

Suicide Party: #Save Dave is a dark comedy-drama film from 2015. Directed by Janet Harvey and featuring compelling performances by Stephen Medvidick, Rick Lundgren, and Anna Shields, the movie intriguingly explores themes about human alienation, modern society's obsession with popularity and public image, and the absurd extents we're willing to go in order to achieve them.

Wrapped in sharp dialogues, witty humor and a touch of irony, the film spotlights Dave, an average guy who's struggling with life's mundanity, financial woes, and a lack of personal direction. Set in the bustling, yet indiscriminate city, Dave's life wrestles with despair. However, an unexpected turn of events presents an unconventional yet drastic solution to his woes - a Suicide Party. Stephen Medvidick portrays the distressed Dave with aplomb, brilliantly reflecting his pain, desperation, and existential angst.

But what is a Suicide Party? In the movie's socio-political commentary, it's defined as an event where someone announces their intention to commit suicide, with a twist. The person doesn't intend to die but uses it as a ploy to gain public sympathy, financial aid and social media fame. The plot uses this strange concept as an alarmingly relevant commentary on the way social media influences our lives and manipulates our values.

The film delves into ideas around money, fame, and the voyeuristic satisfaction our society derives from public misery, cleverly blended with the pursuit of online fame. Driven by Dave's desperation, he and his friends Rick Lundgren and Anna Shields, organize a suicide party with the hopes to turn their fortunes around. At the heart of it, 'Suicide Party: #Save Dave' is a sharp critique of a society where tragedy can be a currency, and life's worth may be gauged by the number of online followers and trending hashtags.

Rick Lundgren delivers a convincing performance as the fast-talking and quick-thinking best friend who supports and assists Dave in this endeavor. Lundgren's natural charm and easy wit bring much-needed comic relief to an otherwise grim story. Simultaneously, Anna Shields as the sarcastic and ambivalent female lead lends a unique twist to the concept, with her contribution peeling off many layers from the character's personalities.

The film's smart writing shines throughout, balancing a fine line between black comedy and poignant drama, while never compromising its social commentary's intelligence and depth. The narrative takes unexpected twists and turns, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. However, as the story unfolds, one gets to experience a wider social phenomenon about the power of social media and the collective consciousness that's willing to associate itself with an event rooted in despair and deception.

Cinematic aesthetics and sound design further enhance the overall feel of the film. The city's buzzing life and urban clutter form an essential backdrop that adds to the storytelling. Throughout the movie, the looming paradox of solitude amidst the crowd is wonderfully depicted in the visual storytelling. The background score and nuanced sound design craft an immersive viewing experience, successfully reflecting a sense of unease, anticipation and unexpected humor spread across the narrative.

Suicide Party: #Save Dave is a critique that shines a mirror on society’s struggles with digital age narcissism and the lengths people will go to reclaim control of their lives. It's a brave film that, despite the dark context, delivers an engaging story filled with humor, anxiety, commentary, and a hefty dose of absurdity.

This movie appeals predominantly to viewers who appreciate thought-provoking cinema, which isn't afraid to delve into modern society's dark corners. It's an unconventional film that dares to engage viewers beyond the surface, challenging them to re-evaluate their perspectives on life, social media, and public image.

In conclusion, Suicide Party: #Save Dave is not just a film. It's a social critique, a black comedy, and tragic drama combined into an unforgettable cinematic experience. This film explores the extent people might go for popularity and the overall socio-cultural implications of such actions, revealing the darkest shades of modern society with unexpected humor and wit.