Wasted on the Young

Wasted on the Young is a striking new film from first-time filmmaker Ben C. Lucas, with the director’s remarkably intriguing sense of style complemented by a storyline that possess a number of jaw-droppingly unexpected twists and turns. The movie, which follows several privileged students as they deal with a violent act, is admittedly a little slow going in its opening half hour, as Lucas offers up a rather routine portrait of wealthy teens that’s occasionally marred by questionable plot developments (ie why would the most popular kid at school risk his reputation by raping an unconscious fellow student?) There’s little doubt, however, that the movie picks up with a vengeance following an impressively unexpected mid-movie twist, with the narrative subsequently building to an absolutely enthralling confrontation between several students at their high school. (Seriously, this section is about as good as it gets in terms of captivating cinema.) It’s a marvelously compelling stretch that unfortunately stands as the movie’s high point, with the remainder of the proceedings unable to entirely sustain the viewer’s rapidly dwindling interest (while the Saw-inspired finale ensures that the film does end on a decidedly underwhelming note). Still, Wasted on the Young is an otherwise engrossing piece of work that bodes well for Lucas’ future endeavors.

***1/2 out of ****