Written and directed by Quinn Shephard
Stars: Zoey Deustch, Mia Isaac, Dylan O'Brien, Tia Dionne Hodge, Embeth Davidtz, Nadia Alexander, Karan Soni, Sarah Yarkin, and Dash Perry
The trailer of this movie was intriguing to say the least. Is this a romantic comedy with terrorist plot line? No, it's not. It has a message when you know the nature of it.
Danni Sanders (Deutsch) works as a photo editor, but she wants to be a journalist, even though she doesn't have the experience. In one of her depressive episodes, she decides to concoct a plan to go on a writer's retreat in Paris with doctored photos and all to impress her stoner co-worker, Colin (O'Brien). The day she uploads a picture, a terrorist hits at the same time. Swept up with the media press, Danni pretends to be a survivor and lies about being there.
Before the opening credits of this movie, there was a content disclaimer. It was talking about the flashing lights. Cool. The subject matter. Fine. Lastly, it talked about the "unlikable female protagonist." What the fuck is that? Yes, Danni is an asshole. The movie tells her that. Why does the movie need to have that warning? It is because she is woman? That's not okay. (Pun not intended.)
When people saw the trailer, they might have been turned off with the subject matter. My understanding was that the movie was dark comedy that shone a light on social media, the downside of internet fame, and clout chasing.
You are not supposed to like Danni. She is self-absorbed. People in her workplace don't like her for obvious reasons. There have been people that have latched onto tragic events to get some notoriety.
Most of the characters in the movie were putting up a front; one way or another.
The star of the movie is Rowan, a teenage school shooting survivor Danni meets in a group played by Mia Isaac. She was the emotional center of the movie. The poetry, the acting was something to behold.
Rating: 7/10
