At Phoenix Progressive School, students take notes lying on parlor couches and are encouraged to explore their gifts through electives like break-dancing and graphic-novel writing. In the midst of all this liberal pedagogy and budding talent, Molly Maxwell feels unexceptional, until she embarks on a photography independent study under the tutelage of her attractive English teacher, Ben. Their relationship quickly evolves beyond the darkroom, introducing Molly to the throes of a first love, and putting Ben’s job in jeopardy.
It draws the audience into an ethical quandary that instills an uncomfortable sense of complicity. As a result, we never end up sympathizing for the main characters or investing in the romance.
– Bruce Demara,
Toronto Star,
18 Apr 2013
fresh:
A first feature that, much like its young protagonist, is sometimes awkward and stiff but always refreshingly candid. And honesty is a tonic to even the most tired genre.