We’re the kids of America
Writing about children is hard. Sure we’ve all been kids before, but our memories are skewed to fit our personal notions. We like to assume we were smart, cute kids, which is why most child actors are smartass precocious doucebags. But what are kids really like?
Director Michael Cuesta is familiar with the “coming of age” story. His past film, “L.I.E,” explored the disturbing realm of man/boy relationships; a move that could’ve easily pushed a film into exploitation territory. But Cuesta was able to tell the story with realness and honesty. “Twelve and Holding” is in the same boat, portraying a group of kids where society forces them to grow too fast.
The film follows three middle school kids who all begin to change when a close friend dies in a treehouse fire set by bullies. Jacob, the twin brother of the boy who died, feels responsible for his brother’s death and vows revenge on the bullies. Malee, another one of the kids, develops a crush on an older man and seeks him. And Leonard, an overweight kid with overweight parents, takes it upon himself to lose weight and influence his parents to do the same.
Cuesta is good at blending the three stories and making them fit. A scene of Jacob taunting bullies at prison easily blends into a shot of Malee putting on makeup. None of it seems jarring or out of place. Probably one of the biggest critiques is how the film esculates during its final act and becomes a bit over the top. I’m assuming some might find these scenes out of place and this might ruin their experience with this film. On the other hand, I think the theatrics aids in the film’s favor. When things spiral out of control, people are at their most vulnerable. They are also in their most reflective state; in other words, it’s easier for them to grasp a lesson or theme.
“Twelve and Holding” isn’t a kid’s flick, and thank Jeebus for that. Hollywood doesn’t need anymore wise cracking, over-directed stage children. Cuesta knows how to keep it real.
