Project X

Project X is a 2012 American found-footage comedy film directed by Nima Nourizadeh, co-written by Nourizadeh, Michael Bacall, and Matt Drake. The film revolves around the exploits of three high school seniors who aim to create an unforgettable name for themselves by hosting the wildest party of the year. The story begins with Thomas (Thomas Mann), J.B. (Jonathan Daniel Brown), and Costa (Alex Frnka), three high school friends living in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Thomas, an aspiring DJ, believes that he can bring his music to a wider audience by throwing a massive party that showcases his skills. To make the party a success, J.B., the son of a wealthy family, decides to bring a large sum of money from his parents' Swiss bank account. Costa, who has connections with local delivery services, offers to help the boys acquire a beer keg and other essential party supplies. As the party preparations get underway, the trio decides to film their antics with handheld cameras, hoping to capture their legendary night on tape. However, things take a turn for the worse when Thomas, fueled by ego and a desire for fame, overestimates the number of people who will show up for the party. The anticipated guest list balloons from a few close friends to hundreds of rowdy teenagers who had heard about the bash from online invitations or word of mouth. Initially, the party appears to be going smoothly. The attendees are having a great time, and the boys are oblivious to the escalating chaos. However, as the night wears on, the party takes a drastic turn for the worse. The noise becomes ear-piercingly loud, and the dance floor transforms into a scene of unbridled madness. The partygoers get increasingly aggressive and start to trespass in the neighboring properties. As the mayhem intensifies, the police arrive on the scene, but their efforts to disperse the crowd only seem to exacerbate the situation. The officers are attacked by the rowdy teens, and the situation degenerates into a full-blown riot. In the midst of the chaos, Thomas loses control of his own music, which has become the de facto soundtrack of the party. His elaborate soundtrack has somehow entwined itself within the pandemonium. In a climactic scene, the lights from the authorities' helicopters, blinding laser lights, form abstract displays mirroring the frenzied fervor of the unbridled dance floor. Meanwhile, J.B.'s father, Mr. Branson, becomes increasingly concerned about the growing disturbance and the risk of damage to the family's property. He tries to contact J.B. multiple times, but the phone calls are unreturned as J.B. and his friends are either away from their phones or too caught up in the chaos to notice. Eventually, Thomas and his friends attempt to escape from the anarchy they created. In their haste, they cause even more destruction, resulting in a vicious cycle that refuses to subside. Panama City and Hollywood are some references they allude to regarding possible destinations but in the end, the destination will be nothing resembling a tranquil place. The film culminates in a spectacular but alarming dance sequence where violence is threatened at all corners and destruction wraps its periphery around the chaos. When order is finally restored and the partygoers disperse, J.B.'s financial burden for the damage becomes apparent. J.B.'s father finds the smashed property belonging to him along with extensive other widespread damages. Despite the numerous failures in their effort, Thomas starts to believe 'he has gained something almost resembling success through the ordeal.