This is a “mean-kids” comedy horror film incorporating several tropes. Clare Cooney packs bullying, homophobia, high school cliques, romance, mental illness, self-identity, revenge and the paranormal directing her first feature film. And with a diverse cast.
Considering it was shot in 16 days, Cooney gets some likable performances from the ensemble, especially the two leads who show some real talent guiding the narrative. But what transpires in the film is pretty predictable.
Javier (Ignacio Diaz-Silverio – Primo) is the stand-in for Writer Jose Nateras who crafted the script after himself. Mexican-American and gay, Javier is not considered one of the “cool” kids, but he’s smart, sarcastic and knows exactly what he’s up against.
His best friend Bianca (Ireon Roach-Candyman) is his loyal sounding board. She is constantly trying to keep him calm and out of range of the bullies. On the other hand there’s Trevor (Cameron Scott Roberts), his stuck up girlfriend Ginny (Maisie Merlock), and Trevor’s best friend, Brad (Sasha Kuznetsov) who are constantly on Javier’s case.
Watch our interviews with Director Cooney, Writer Nateras and members of the cast before the premiere at the Chicago International Film Festival.
When bullying by the “mean-kids” goes too far, landing Javier in the hospital, something snaps triggering paranormal visions of past and future brutal killings at the hands of a frightening masked villain. Javier thinks the ability runs in his family. This is a little far-fetched, but Cooney has Cinematographer Jason Chiu play it out blurring zooms in on Javier’s popping eyes along with flash frames. Javier and Bianca get determined to unmask the killer before it strikes again.
Sympathetic teacher, Mr. Arda (Yani Gellman), talks to Javier and lets him know he understands what the “cool” kids are up to. They don’t hide how they push Javier around and torment him with pranks like dumping his book bag.
Two dramatic deaths occurring within days of each other are labeled suicides, but Javier’s visions tell him that a dangerous serial killer is on the loose.One of the plot shortcomings is how nonchalantly the school administration and the kids accept these deaths, simply going back to their normal routines like nothing happened. The film finally builds to a climax in the dark backstage of the school theater, which is an overused device.
Credit goes to Cooney and Nateras for the inclusivity of their cast, with believable performances from Ignacio and Ireon. Despite uneven pacing, no big laughs nor jump scares, this fairly predictable Departing Seniors is still palatable.
Dark Sky Films 1 hour 25 minutes NR
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