White Rabbit

A teenager in Louisiana (Nick Krause) faces the challenges of the working class, a troubled father (Sam Trammell), bullies at school and first love (Britt Robertson). Will it push him over the edge?

"White Rabbit" (2013) is a dark coming-of-age drama with gritty realism and an artsy flair. It has been compared to "Donnie Darko," but that one was sci-fi with a high school milieu whereas "White Rabbit" keeps things mundane and relatable, not to mention brooding and edgy. Besides, "Donnie" was essentially a blockbuster while this one cost $2 million.

If you like Indies like "Cutback" (2010) and "Love Everlasting" (2016) or mainline flicks like "The Rage: Carrie 2," you'll appreciate this. The ending doesn't wuss out and is reminiscent of the underrated "Speck" (2002). Thankfully, as dark as it is, it wisely provides a ray of light.

The film runs just over 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot in outer New Orleans.

GRADE: B+/A-

With the image of a demonic bipedal white rabbit still imprinted on some of our minds, we are now introduced to a quadrupedal white/albino eastern cottontail, with less than angelic influential motivations reaped upon our teenage deviant. Although somewhat darker in nature than the bipedal rabbit, this one gives us homicidal urges rather than precognitive events (one could argue that observation) and pyromaniac tendencies. And if one is familiar with Swedish (and botched Hollywood clones) of a similar genre the: "fight back" scene may also seem familiar to some.

When I was a youngster, my sister was driven by my mom for her weekly ballet lessons, my other sibling was taught signing, my little brother labored under his ventriloquist instructor. Me - I was dropped off at the public library to diligently study books about rabbit hunting, got about 3/4s of the way down the rabbit hole before I found my way out. Most likely the reason for this review.

This film emulates so many films that involve a similar subject matter, and yet somehow fails to capture the same wonderful elements of it's predecessors.

Perhaps one of the biggest flaws right off the bat is the quality of acting, particularly with the younger actors. One thing struck me during my viewing of this film, and that was how the leads looked more like Hollywood teens, and less like something you'd find in the backwoods where this is all taking place. I think it's very likely that the casting for this film revolved more around aesthetics than it did acting ability, which is a shame because much of this movie relies on the lead being able to convey his gradual build-up of rage and anxiety, and unfortunately falls quite flat in this regard.

So with the lead and the love interest just not up to par, this instantly undercuts a lot of the film outright. On top of that the build-up itself, which is just a few instances of your various 'High school sure if ruff' vignettes also leaves something to be desired. The pacing feels off with it. As in the intensity of each little scene does not constantly build, but rather wavers, ebbs and flows between mundane and tragic.

Though really the tragic thing is how much visible potential this film had. A lot could have been done with it, but what was done was not done well. When there're so many great films out there that tackle such difficult subject matter, it becomes really difficult to recommend this one.

This film was totally refreshing from all the big studio movies i saw recently.

Never thought that with a small budget so many things can be achieved.

It is filled with amazing cinematography, which captures the atmosphere and sets the mood with every scene, all pleasing to the eyes. Camera work was brilliant from many angles and close ups.

Directing done with a huge precision and professionally made transitions.

Beautiful musical score - visually combined with the film makes it a joy listening to.

Screenplay was also great which is translated into the film with good pacing and performances which all felt natural and were enjoyable to watch.

I was never a big fan of indie films, the reason i saw White Rabbit is mainly because of it's subject, but i got so much more. A big surprise.

I have watched this movie a couple times now and every time I notice something different and have a different theory about the ending. This is going to be the next cult classic, especially since Britt is about to skyrocket to fame and her fans are going to seek this movie out. She is great in this goth role.

The cinematography is so beautiful even though the subject matter is so ugly and the town looks so gritty. The story is so tragic because there are so many things along the way that could have stopped Harlon - his mom could have intervened, he could have joined the church like his dad, his teacher could have tried to help. So many people failed to come through for him. I hope people who see this this movie pay closer attention to those around them who need help.