User Reviews

Most of us (I think) see ourselves as freaks/outcasts in high school, and I'm one of those people, so this movie resonated. And people do all kinds of things to cope, just as the main character, 14-year-old Eleanor does. She is bullied by her classmates because she looks different from them. Looking or being different in high school is TOUGH. We all know of the pressure to fit in, but when you have a large birthmark across your face, you're ALWAYS different, and it can affect a person in chaotic ways. The culmination of the ongoing rotten behavior directed at Eleanor by her peers results in a violent classroom incident, and Eleanor must face the consequences. She also has to face down blatant lies about her. The movie makes clear that lies are damaging and ugly, but sometimes have as much (or more) power than truth. Overall, the acting is real and authentic, and the film is well shot. The B/W style definitely suits the subject matter. It is also relentlessly dark, which may be a good or bad thing, depending on the tastes of the viewer. I prefer a bit more levity in serious films such as this, to break up the heaviness of the subject matter, which IMHO would have helped the narrative.