Let's give credit to Bonfire for doing what many short films do well – trying to fill gaps left by much larger film projects. In this instance, it is to produce an all-female story about three teenagers coming together with their various struggles, letting off steam, and finding a cathartic bond in the process. In doing this the film is stylishly produced, makes good use of locations, and touches on a lot of subjects. Unfortunately it does all this with the viewer very much on the outside of the group.
To caveat that, it is worth noting that the few negative comments I have read about the film have all come from men – at least some of who (like myself) had their teens in a very different era; so perhaps the issue of connection is not an issue if the girls within the film have more relevance to your own life. Personally I viewed their bad behavior as that – not as something brave. As the film progresses, the bad behavior starts to stem from pain, or to produce/expose pains, however I could not understand them on their side, instead I just saw teens acting out. The end of the film cemented this; the girls had already broken family heirlooms of one of the dad's new girlfriend, but the news that they are getting married triggers them to burn the guest-house down.
With a connection to the group, we can perhaps not condone this behavior, but at least we can understand it – but the film didn't give me that connection. The cast clearly were given a lot of detail and direction on their characters, because they do well in any specific moment – but the film doesn't produce it. A shame then, the film looks good, is commendable for its content, but with the viewer on the emotional outside, it leaves the events of the films looking like spoilt teens acting out.
To caveat that, it is worth noting that the few negative comments I have read about the film have all come from men – at least some of who (like myself) had their teens in a very different era; so perhaps the issue of connection is not an issue if the girls within the film have more relevance to your own life. Personally I viewed their bad behavior as that – not as something brave. As the film progresses, the bad behavior starts to stem from pain, or to produce/expose pains, however I could not understand them on their side, instead I just saw teens acting out. The end of the film cemented this; the girls had already broken family heirlooms of one of the dad's new girlfriend, but the news that they are getting married triggers them to burn the guest-house down.
With a connection to the group, we can perhaps not condone this behavior, but at least we can understand it – but the film didn't give me that connection. The cast clearly were given a lot of detail and direction on their characters, because they do well in any specific moment – but the film doesn't produce it. A shame then, the film looks good, is commendable for its content, but with the viewer on the emotional outside, it leaves the events of the films looking like spoilt teens acting out.
