Documentaries have the power to transport us into a world we may not have otherwise seen. They shed light on topics like war, poverty, and treason, giving us a glimpse into the gritty realities of life. However, Amy Weber takes a different approach with her faux-documentary “A Girl Like Her.” This chilling film takes viewers on a journey through the all-too-familiar world of bullying.
According to Weber, bullying has always been a part of human existence, but its accessibility and widespread use have reached new heights in the age of social media. She believes it’s time for this story to be told from a perspective that has never been seen before.
You are viewing: A Girl Like Her: A Chilling Tale of Bullying
The story revolves around Jessica Burns, a sophomore who finds herself in a comatose state after a suicide attempt. The initial shock of this event raises questions about why a seemingly sweet and quiet girl would want to end her own life. As the truth unfolds, it becomes clear that Jessica was relentlessly bullied by Avery Keller, a former friend and popular girl.
The film takes a unique approach, presenting the story in a “documentary” style with four different storylines. Jessica’s friend Brian documents her daily life, capturing the increasing hate she faces. Jessica herself wears a hidden camera for six months to capture firsthand evidence of the bullying. Viewers are given a first-person view into the tragedy that unfolds.
Another storyline involves a documentary crew visiting the school, which has been hailed as one of the best public schools in the country. The focus of the documentary shifts dramatically with the news of Jessica’s suicide attempt.
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What unfolds is a gripping and detailed story that forces viewers to question societal biases and hatred, while inspiring them to seek positive change. The events portrayed in the film may seem unbelievable, but they are inspired by countless true stories of bullying.
Weber has spent years working with young people, documenting social issues and noticing a common theme: a lack of self-esteem. These young individuals often endure pain inflicted by adults and peers, without a clear understanding of how to cope.
The character of Jessica was inspired by the tragic story of Phoebe Prince, a 15-year-old girl from Massachusetts who took her own life after being brutally bullied by her former friends. Weber’s connection to this real-life story shaped the development of Jessica’s character.
The entire film was improvised, allowing the actors to bring their own emotions and words to their roles. Weber collaborated closely with the actors, working on each scene’s motivation, language, and execution. This personal touch adds depth to the performances and enhances the film’s impact.
While Weber succeeds in portraying the shocking reality of bullying, the film occasionally falls into familiar stereotypes seen in other teenage dramas. Avery, the bully, fits the mold of a pink-wearing, lip-gloss-loving blonde. Weber acknowledges that society tends to create these stereotypes around bullies, portraying them as individuals everyone wants to be friends with or date.
However, Weber does provide a glimpse into Avery’s imperfect life, offering some backstory to explain her bullying behavior. The plot may lose some clarity in exploring the blurred lines of good and evil, but the film still delivers a gut-punching experience. Witnessing the faces of Jessica’s teachers, parents, and classmates, who could sense something was wrong but failed to act, is truly harrowing.
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Hunter King delivers a phenomenal performance, perfectly balancing Avery’s popular queen facade with the vulnerability of a hurting teenager. Lexi Ainsworth, playing Jessica, brings a unique blend of depression and fleeting joy to her character’s interactions with Brian.
Weber hopes that viewers will gain a new perspective from watching her film. She emphasizes the importance of young people sharing their voices and taking an active role in decision-making, whether it be in city councils or school boards. To encourage youth involvement, she has launched the “Peacekeeper Kit” project aimed at combating bullying.
For college-level students, Weber urges them to address this issue head-on. She believes that young people look up to college students as leaders. Survivors of bullying themselves, these students have the power to show others that negativity and unkindness are not cool or acceptable.
In the end, Weber wants viewers to understand that bullies are often victims themselves. By helping them, society can move forward and break the cycle of pain and suffering.
Remember, it’s hurt people that hurt people.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: Blog
