#Like

In the heartwarming yet brutal social commentary film #Like, director Tim Sutton masterfully tackles the haunting subject of cyberbullying and its devastating consequences. The story begins with Rosie, a 16-year-old high school student from a seemingly idyllic town in Woodstock, New York, struggling to cope with the one-year anniversary of her younger sister's tragic death. Rosie's grief is palpable, and it's evident that the loss of her little sister, Lily, has left an irreparable void in her life. Her parents, though well-intentioned, are portrayed as being somewhat clueless about their daughters' social lives, highlighting the complex dynamic between teenagers and their guardians in the digital age. As Rosie navigates the dark recesses of her own psyche, she stumbles upon a disturbing discovery: a figure from her sister's past, known only as "Banks," has resurfaced on social media. Banks, whose identity is shrouded in mystery, had previously manipulated and bullied Lily into taking her own life. Despite her initial reluctance, Rosie becomes increasingly consumed by a thirst for vengeance as she learns Banks is now hunting for his next victim online. Her concerns about reporting Banks to the authorities fall on deaf ears, with the police dismissing the threat as an isolated incident with no concrete evidence to pursue. Faced with a seemingly insurmountable barrier, Rosie is forced to confront a darkness she never knew she possessed. Rosie's inner turmoil is palpable as she grapples with the moral implications of taking the law into her own hands. Her transformation from a vulnerable, grieving teenager to a fierce and driven enforcer of justice is a poignant yet unsettling spectacle. As she digs deeper into Banks' online exploits, Rosie's actions become increasingly erratic and disturbing, blurring the lines between self-protection and vigilantism. Throughout the film, Tim Sutton's direction masterfully weaves together the threads of social media addiction, adolescent trauma, and the toxic dynamics of teenage relationships. The cinematography, shot on location in Woodstock, adds a hauntingly idyllic backdrop to the narrative, emphasizing the disconnect between the picturesque town's facade and the sinister forces at play. As Rosie's crusade against Banks gains momentum, the stakes rise, and the consequences of her actions become increasingly dire. Her relationships with her friends and family begin to fray, and the lines between justice and revenge become increasingly indistinct. The film culminates in a heart-stopping confrontation between Rosie and Banks, which serves as a scathing indictment of our society's failure to address the epidemic of cyberbullying. In #Like, the audience is forced to confront the darker aspects of the human experience and the desensitizing effects of social media on our behavior. The film raises critical questions about the role of technology in perpetuating toxic relationships and the consequences of allowing individuals to self-regulate as online watchdogs. While Rosie's quest for justice is admirable, it also serves as a reminder of the devastating costs of unchecked rage and a society that condones vigilantism as a solution to its problems.