Watch Speak the Movie

Speak the Movie is a 2004 independent teen drama film directed by Jessica Sharzer and starring Kristen Stewart, who portrays the protagonist, Melinda Sordino. The movie is based on a novel of the same name by Laurie Halse Anderson, which was published in 1999. The movie tells the story of Melinda, a high school freshman who becomes an outcast at school after calling the police during a party. Melinda finds it hard to relate to her classmates and feels isolated and alone.

The movie begins with Melinda starting her first day at Merryweather High School, where she is greeted by her old best friend, Rachel, who has since moved on to a new group of friends. Melinda is also bullied by a group of guys who call her names and harass her in the hallways. The only bright spot in Melinda's life is her art class, where she is able to express her emotions through her artwork.

Melinda's isolation and depression stem from an incident that occurred at a party the previous summer. She had called the police after being raped by a senior, Andy Evans. However, she is unable to tell anyone what really happened and is ostracized by her classmates who view her as a traitor for getting everyone in trouble.

The plot of the movie revolves around Melinda's journey towards healing and forgiveness. As she begins to open up to her art teacher, Mr. Freeman, and befriends a new student named Heather, Melinda begins to find her voice and speak up for herself. However, things take a turn for the worse when Andy, who is now dating Rachel, begins to torment Melinda even more.

The movie does an excellent job of portraying the struggles that many teenagers face in high school, particularly when it comes to bullying and sexual assault. The film deals with these issues in a sensitive and realistic way, without ever being preachy or melodramatic. The story is told from Melinda's point of view, which allows viewers to understand her mindset and empathize with her situation.

The standout performance in the movie is undoubtedly Kristen Stewart's portrayal of Melinda. She is able to convey the character's pain and isolation with subtlety and nuance, making Melinda a deeply sympathetic protagonist. The supporting cast is also very good, particularly Steve Zahn as Mr. Freeman, who serves as a mentor and confidante to Melinda.

The movie's pacing is a bit slow at times, particularly during the middle portion of the film. However, this is offset by the film's beautifully shot scenes and haunting soundtrack. The use of close-ups throughout the movie effectively conveys Melinda's sense of isolation and anxiety.

One of the film's strengths is its ability to accurately depict the complex emotions and experiences of teenagers. Speak the Movie is a powerful and poignant exploration of the trauma of sexual assault and the process of healing that follows. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in teen dramas or issues surrounding bullying and sexual assault.

In conclusion, Speak the Movie is a powerful and moving film that deals with serious issues in a thoughtful and nuanced way. The film's outstanding performances, thoughtful direction, and excellent script make it a must-watch for anyone interested in teen dramas or social issues surrounding bullying and sexual assault.