Blame (2018)

Don't listen to the negative reviews

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Abigail Grey (Quinn Shephard) reluctantly goes back to school after some troubles. She is bullied by mean cheerleader Jennifer (Trieste Kelly Dunn) and her group. They call her Sybil and slut. New drama teacher Jeremy Woods (Chris Messina) assigns the Arthur Miller play 'The Crucible' to the class. He notices the bullying and gives an important role to Abigail relegating Jennifer as the understudy.This starts with a bit of Heather. It's going on a predictable but still compelling path. Then it goes away from the path. First, there is the classroom scene where Abigail turns the table on Jennifer. It leaves Abigail as an unreliable character. It would work if it fully commits but it simply left me questioning her with no resolution. Next is the journal entry. I would think any girl would take a picture with her phone. The rumor could spread and the plot moves forward. Instead, that plot sorta stalls until the climax. Also the climax introduces something which is left hanging. Overall, there is a lot of interesting work from young new filmmaker Quinn Shephard but it's not quite sharp enough with too many loose threads and not enough payoff.

It glorifies pedophilia. its predictable and boring. a cliche. not worth watching.

Stellar performances from every actor, masterful direction, razor-sharp editing and even a first-rate soundtrack make this a must-see. This first-time director is only 22 years old, and she's also the writer, star and music producer. Kudos to everyone involved in this wise and graceful picture.

Everything conspired in this movie to surprise, provoke, and delight me. Camera work, directing, acting, writing - subject matter. Blame featured a tight, tense and amusing ensemble cast of young startling talent directed ably with a firm but light collaborative touch that let the actors be real, loose, funny and smart. This movie artfully transcended the possibility of cliché to become archetypal. While Blame might seem to be relevant only to current and recent high school students, its appeal transcends age limitations. I, class of 1977, was transported to the urgency of everyday and every issue in my life at a public high school. This mood, every moment, and the beauty of youth was masterfully captured by the cinematographer. The pearl in this movie, because of the deft skill of every contributor, is that there is no Blame assigned - causality, maybe, but no shame. Life is complicated. And then there's the fact that Quinn Shephard co-wrote (with her Mother), directed, produced, starred in and edited this impressive first work -- without dominating the viewer's experience with her ego. Few can achieve that in any endeavor. How lucky we movie- lovers are to be able to look forward to her career. I personally hope to see Ms. Shephard work with this same cast again. There was magic in it. I will watch for her next project.