Twelve

Twelve is an American-French action drama film directed by Joel Schumacher and released in 2010. The film, based on the novel of the same name by Nick McDonell, features a star-studded ensemble cast, including Chace Crawford of "Gossip Girl" fame, actress and singer Emma Roberts, and Rory Culkin, the younger brother of Macaulay Culkin.

In this gritty, atmospheric drama, the story revolves primarily around Chace Crawford's character, White Mike, a high school dropout turned successful drug dealer. Following the death of his mother, White Mike finds himself drawn into the underground world of drug dealing in the most privileged corners of New York's Upper East Side. Personal tragedy forms a somber backbone for his character's chilly detachment, shaping his world view and motivating his lifestyle choices.

The title, Twelve, is derived from a new substance that Mike begins dealing; a designer drug named "twelve" that's shipping in from the West Coast. The film gets its pulse from the fevered allure of this drug as it permeates through the social circle of Manhattan's elite. As we follow White Mike's life, the film invites us to question the seeming perfection of wealthy societies, drawing attention to the ugly truths spanning addiction, superficiality, and moral bankruptcy beneath the glossy veneer.

Emma Roberts portrays Molly Norton, a whimsical and somewhat naive schoolgirl who is also White Mike's childhood friend and love interest. Her social class isolates her from the harsh realities of the world that White Mike operates within. Their diverging paths and the secrets Mike keeps sharply contrast with her innocence, adding layers to their relationship.

Roles are also delivered stunningly by Rory Culkin and Emily Meade, alongside 50 Cent who makes a notable impression in a movie far from his usual fare. They weave themselves into the narrative - high school kids who are either consumers or peddlers of Twelve, or are tragically affected by the drug scene in some way.

The film takes a hard look at the climbing pressures of modern society, where youth are forced to grow up too fast. It dramatically addresses subjects of drugs, violence, and the decadence that accompanies excessive wealth, all portrayed against the backdrop of the concrete jungle of Manhattan and its pristine high rises. The sober palette and sharp filmography of the movie offer a visceral sense of the characters' environments, grounding the narrative's more dramatic moments.

While Twelve unmistakably exudes the excitement and thrill of teen drama, it distinguishes itself by refusing to shy away from the darker realities lurking in the underbellies of seemingly perfect lives. Despite its youthful focus, the themes of Twelve run deep, wrestling with questions about wealth, power, and the loss of innocence in a world that can be cruel and indifferent.

Chace Crawford, stepping away from his “Gossip Girl” persona, delivers a nuanced performance that grounds the film, embodying the tragic figure of White Mike with a haunting vulnerability. Emma Roberts, too, breaks away from her typical roles in portraying a privileged character facing harsh realities. Rory Culkin offers a performance that effectively captures the angst and disillusionment that define his character. Despite its dark subject matter, Schumacher orchestrates this drama with a masterful touch, walking the line between being heavy-handed and becoming too indulgent.

Twelve is a film that reveals the darker underpinnings of a world that seems to shine with opportunity. It explores the reality of a society where wealth and comfort do not necessarily equate to happiness or fulfillment. With a chilling plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, Twelve serves as a stark reminder of the inescapable consequences one's choices can have, regardless of age or socio-economic status.

A whirlwind of beautiful faces, privileged lives, and unsettling grittiness, Twelve delivers a narrative that grips and challenges, leaving audiences with much to ponder long after the final credits roll. It's a chilling exploration into the unseen lives of the young and wealthy, expertly delivered by a top-class cast and director. A captivating watch, Twelve is a complicated, profound film disguised as a teen drama.