Wasted on the Young

Wasted on the Young is a gripping 2010 Australian drama/thriller directed by Ben C. Lucas. The film features protagonist performances from Oliver Ackland, Adelaide Clemens, and Alex Russell, whose acting skills bring life to this intensifying narrative centered around the toxicity of contemporary youth culture imbued with technology, power struggle, and moral conflicts. With its thought-provoking storyline that takes you on a journey through the complexities of teenage life, Wasted on the Young leaves the audience contemplating the harsh realities of our digital society.

Set in the privileged landscape of a wealthy, private high school, Wasted on the Young tells the story of two stepbrothers, Zack (Alex Russell) and Darren (Oliver Ackland). Zack, the popular student, epitomizes the playboy archetype, reveling in the power dynamics of his high school. Ackland's character, Darren, on the other hand, prefers to stay in the background, introverted and smart, living in his stepbrother's shadow. Their polar opposite personalities come into sharp contrast as they navigate their way through the social hierarchy, inciting an undercurrent of tension between the two stepbrothers.

The narrative takes a profound plunge when Adelaide Clemens' character, Xandrie, a charismatic and headstrong young woman, comes into the picture. Xandrie presents a different perspective on the school's social culture, bravely questioning the norms rather than passively accepting them. Clemens brings a compelling performance that adds depth to her character and ultimately plays a crucial role in the film's progression. As events unfold, a party, echoic of those seen in teen flicks, becomes the turning point for these characters. The ensuing events get darker, revealing the sinister side of the school and its golden boy.

However, Wasted on the Young is not just concerned with party culture, popularity, and power imbalance in elite institutions; it also explores the impact of technology on young people's lives. Bullying, peer pressure, the sense of entitlement among the wealthy youth, and the ignorance among adults are all relayed and heightened via technology, spearing a commentary on its implications.

The movie also boldly interrogates the power structures at play, predominantly enforcing the law of the jungle - the strongest survive in this dystopia disguised as a high school melodrama. But the film is also keen to highlight the need for morality and the courage to stand against the wrong, even when the odds are stacked against you. Creating suspense at every turn, the intense drama will grip the viewers as the characters grapple with the consequences of their actions.

Lucas sets the film's atmosphere perfectly with its equally haunting and beautiful cinematography, contributing to the intense undercurrent of anxiety and anticipation. The soundtrack is equally crucial to this, bringing a sense of eeriness to the contemporary high school scenery and creating a stark contrast to the otherwise idyllic beach landscapes typical of the Australian coast.

In terms of filmmaking craft, Wasted on the Young stands out for its non-linear storytelling. This technique offers creative – if sometimes disorientating – ways to reveal character histories and motives across time. It adds an extra layer of suspense and intrigue, allowing viewers to piece together this dark tale of youth and societal expectation.

If you’re in the mood for a next-level high school thriller, Wasted on the Young might just be the ticket. The film poses profound questions about societal issues while dealing with themes of despair, betrayal, manipulation, truths, and the courage it takes to face them all. Fast-paced with a dark, brooding undertone, it takes the audience on a journey to explore the sinister side of contemporary school culture. This chilling exploration into the lives of its young characters, coupled with excellent performances from the cast and talented direction, make Wasted on the Young a movie that deserves to be talked about.