Bad Seeds is a 2016 coming-of-age drama directed by Nathan Gabaeff. The movie opens up to show an affluent California family moving into their large mansion. However, the Caldwell family is not a happy one; the father, Jim Caldwell (played by Matthew Pohlkamp) is an alcoholic, the mother, Susan (played by Maria Olsen) is distant and cold towards their daughter Emma (played by Emma Fulton) and the family is struggling to deal with the recent death of their son. Emma is a rebellious teenager, who pushes the boundaries, she feels alone in their new home and doesn't connect with either of her parents. She spends most of her days alone, drawing and smoking cigarettes.
Things start to change for Emma when she meets new neighbor Alex (played by Alex DiSanto), a charismatic young man of her age who is always up for anything. Alex takes Emma under his wing and introduces her to a group of close-knit, free-spirited youths. The group includes Paige (played by Calista Palmer), a girl with a promiscuous reputation, and Jim (played by Bailey Spry), a drug dealer who uses his good looks as a way to lure in unsuspecting addicts.
Soon enough, Emma is at the center of this group, and they all start to hang out and explore the city's underbelly together. They become involved in drugs, drinking, and partying, all while taking risks and living a life of complete abandon.
Over time, Emma and Alex start to develop feelings for each other, and they grow closer together. However, their newfound passion for each other is soon threatened when Emily's drug-addicted brother returns home and starts to stir up trouble for them all.
Bad Seeds deals with themes of loneliness, addiction, and the complexities of growing up in a world that seems to want nothing more than to destroy you. As we see the characters' lives find new meaning and value through their reckless behavior, we also see the negative effects of their choices. The movie takes great care to illustrate all of the consequences of their actions, both the good and the bad.
The acting in this movie is superb, and the actors all offer their own unique touch to the story. Emma Fulton shines as Emma, and her portrayal of a young teenager desperately seeking meaning and purpose in a world that doesn't seem to have any is relatable and authentic. Alex DiSanto also impresses as Alex, and his portrayal of a carefree young man who has a deep sense of longing for something more is both tender and touching.
The cinematography and the soundtrack also work to bring the story to life. The film boasts a unique visual palette that uses a lot of stark contrasts and vivid colors to create a sense of tension and unease. The music is also a perfect match for the tone of the film, with a haunting, ethereal quality that complements the sense of alienation and loneliness the characters feel.
Bad Seeds is a gripping, well-crafted movie about the challenges of growing up in a world that doesn't seem to have a place for you. It's an intense, unrelenting ride that explores the darker side of teenage life with empathy and nuance. It's a movie that will linger with you long after the credits roll.
