Level 16

This film is set inside a strange institution. It is populated by young girls who are schooled to be obedient and clean; but not how to read or write. They are there from babyhood to the age of sixteen; each year moving to the next level... they are promised that after Level 16 they will be adopted by caring, wealthy families. They have never seen the sun as they have been told the world outside is polluted. They are also heavily guarded and sleep in locked dormitories.

One day Vivian is warned by another girl, Sophia, not to take her daily vitamin pill; that night all the other girls quickly fall into a deep sleep... Vivian is about to start learning the true nature of the 'school'. The more that is learnt the more disturbing it is for her. Knowing the truth is one thing; getting out will be another.

I really enjoyed this film; it had me gripped from the opening moments to the final scene. It is safe to say most viewers will guess that the school isn't quite what it seems but the truth isn't too obvious. The location is great; just a few rooms and a linking corridor for the most part... this emphasises the claustrophobic nature of the girls' world. Not seeing the outside keeps the viewer in the dark about many things; we don't even know when it is set... the old films the girls watch and certain items make it look as if it could have been set anytime from over fifty years ago to sometime in the future. The cast is impressive; especially Katie Douglas who really shines as Vivien. There are also notable performances from Sara Canning as Miss Brixil, the woman who appears to run the establishment; Peter Outerbridge as Dr Miro; and Celina Martin as Sophia. There isn't too much in the way of violence and gore although there are one or two disturbing scenes. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of thoughtful films that don't require expensive special effects or a big name cast.

Although this story is not a new idea, it is still an interesting premise and the presentation and acting along with good direction makes this film a worthy watch. The camera use and cinematography is bleak and dark, with the use of hazy bright lights used to accentuate the shadows. The music score was perfect and added to the various scenes. The plot plugs along at a fairly decent pace for those movie watchers that don't get bored easy. It is a simple and pretty strait forward movie with few surprises. The themes of friendship, loyalty, courage and greed are well portrayed by the end of the movie. There are some plot holes, yes, but again, the great acting, and the interesting theme brought me thru the movie and allowed me to set aside those inconsistencies and just enjoy what was in front of me. If you find it difficult to set aside your disbelief or if plot holes keep you from enjoying an otherwise well made movie, I admit this film would not be for you. (Or if you are into action films or horror/slasher films). As for me, this was an excellent small budget movie!!

I enjoyed this film I thought it was different, and it played with an interesting idea. It's definetley not for everyone. However its something i found entertaining and thrilling. It's not an amazing film and it won't win an oscar. On the other hand the acting is spectacular and it's a pretty decent film. I reccomend to watch.

Basic premise is a school that raises girls to be prefect looking and obbident they keep them uneducated for this purpose but it creates problems. I enjoyed watching it but there is some major plot holes that ruined some of it for me. How are the girls not able to read but knowing what a farm is and things like that. Overall intriguing but dragged out.

I think when you're doing a micro budget scifi film this is the way to go if you want to get some return economically and critical. I think its dishonest to call this scifi. Its entirely possible to do what they do in the film with the technology we have today. They however covered this up with very solid acting by the main actresses who held my attention and never said or did anything groan worthy. Go in expecting something just below The Handmaid's Tale in quality and you'll come out ok. I'll admit its probably a 6 but I tend to give extra credit when I leave feeling like the writing was well thought out.