White Frog

White Frog, a compelling coming of age drama from 2012, is a heartfelt tale that challenges the societal norms and behaviours towards people with disabilities and examines the boundaries of familial relationships and friendships. Director Quentin Lee portrays these themes beautifully, assisted by the skilled performances of a notable cast which includes Booboo Stewart, Harry Shum Jr., Joan Chen, B.D. Wong and Gregg Sulkin.

Booboo Stewart plays the role of Nick Young, a high school freshman. He struggles with Asperger's Syndrome, dealing with a world that fails to understand his daily challenges, causing him to feel isolated, even when he is surrounded by his family. His older brother Chaz, played by Harry Shum Jr., on the other hand, is Neil Armstrong in comparison. Charismatic, popular and seemingly carefree. He's the protector of Nick, shielding him from the cruelty and misunderstanding of the world around and teaching him how to navigate the choppy waters of adolescence.

However, their life is turned upside down by a tragic accident, the details of which we will not delve into in order to avoid spoilers. It is post this life-altering event, when the family must grapple with the enormous empty space left by the absent family member, Nick sets out on a journey of self-discovery in an attempt to make sense of his new reality.

Joan Chen and B.D. Wong play the parents of the boys, the former an obsessive-perfectionist mother who is primarily concerned about maintaining the image of a perfect family in the eyes of the society, and the latter, a distant father who is unable to connect with his younger son. Their acting prowess brings depth and authenticity to their respective characters, engaging the viewers into the complicated dynamics within the family.

Subplots add another dimension to the film, notably coming from Gregg Sulkin's character Doug who introduces Nick to his brother's friends and Chaz's hidden life. This forms a turning point in the story, leading Nick to meet a group of people who not only provide him with an unexpected connection to his late brother but also become unexpectedly valuable expansions of his own, previously limited, social circle.

As the plot unfolds, White Frog slowly reveals its layers of depth. It is not just a story about teenage struggles, or about the aftermath of tragic incidents. It is also about the journey of personal growth and self-empowerment. It’s about coming into your own skin, cherishing your true identity and being able to find the courage to reveal your whole self to the world without fear of judgement. The movie is particularly poignant in its portrayal of how those assessed as “different” can contribute positively to the familiar fabric of society when given the chance.

The film’s narrative takes you on an emotional journey, but it is not without its share of light moments and instances of genuine camaraderie. Undoubtedly, it's the solid performances of the cast, particularly Booboo Stewart’s heartfelt performance as a boy living with Asperger's syndrome, that truly take centre stage. They make the film an engaging and sensitive watch and allow for a deeper understanding of the societal issues raised.

Quentin Lee’s direction enhances the storytelling further, as the action of the film unfolds in a simple yet emotionally dense style. The decision to let Nick narrate the story brings the much-needed insight into his character and his perception of the world around him.

Overall, White Frog is an emotionally driven, thoughtful film that explores themes of disability, family dynamics, identity and inclusivity with sensitivity and respect. The script is cleverly crafted, providing the viewers with a better understanding and compassion towards those who are often marginalised in the society. A memorable watch for those who appreciate the narrative richness, empathetic acting and inclusive storytelling.