A pitch black premise and wicked sense of humor lie at the heart of “Unfriending,” a subversive, disquieting, and very funny film from co-writers and co-directors Brett M. Butler and Jason G. Butler. It’s the type of project that is designed to make viewers uncomfortable, especially as it tackles taboo topics like suicide, bullying, and toxic friendships. It’s satirical and challenging in a way that will alienate mainstream audiences, but seasoned fans of underground indie films will find much to savor.
Blake (Sean Meldrum) and his girlfriend May (Simone Jetsun) decide to invite their closest friends (Michael Pearson, Honor Spencer, Jenna Vittoria, and Rachelle Lauzon) over for a dinner party. It isn’t your average everyday get-together, however. The purpose of this evening is to stage a life intervention for outcast Isaac (Alex Stone), a longtime buddy of Blake’s who just doesn’t seem to live his life to the fullest. The group has grown tired of Isaac, feeling he has become a burden on them and society in general. Their mission? To give their pal all the reasons why he should kill himself and make the world a better place.
It’s a vicious idea for a movie, and the script doesn’t hold back. It’s devilish morbid and increasingly mean, especially as the sweetly pathetic Isaac is bullied and berated by his supposed “friends.” It’s uncomfortable and painful to watch them browbeat their shy friend and scream in his face that he’s a “loser,” and even worse when they lay out the options and methods to make it easier for him to commit suicide (a gun, pills, a knife, rope, and more). Isaac needs better friends, but he eventually succumbs to their abusive behavior and agrees to kill himself.
This isn’t an easy film to watch (and may be triggering to some), and the social commentary is biting. Suicide isn’t funny of course, but the narrative makes a strong point about the dangerous (and deadly) power of collective bullying. These are awful people doing equally awful things, which makes the film as unforgettable as it is provocative.
This isn’t a huge studio movie with a massive budget, and many of the typical stumbles that tend to plague independent projects are present here, too. The performances are amateurish, but not so bad that they are distracting. The dialogue is forced and clunky, and a bit of improvisation may have helped instead of rigidly sticking to a script. (On the plus side, at least this doesn’t feel like tired mumblecore). The pacing is also slow, but it’s worth sticking with as there’s an extremely satisfying payoff. These are all very minor criticisms of a film that’s original, interesting, and has something compelling to say.
“Unfriending” is the type of low-key film that sneaks up out of nowhere and packs an intense gut punch. This is a story of unchecked narcissism, barbarous intimidation, cold-blooded violence, and the absolute worst friends on Earth.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 