Face 2 Face

By: Arlene Allen

Netflix has picked up Matthew Toronto’s 2016 film Face 2 Face and this is one film you won’t want to miss, especially if you are a fan of series “Thirteen Reasons Why.” This is an excellent example of the young adults in trouble genre and although at times the subject matte makes the film uncomfortable to watch, the overall message of friends saving each other is powerful. It’s a message that is needed in the world we live in today.

The film opens with Teel Johnson (Daniel Amerman) looking up a childhood friend on a social media site. Teel is clearly “different,” isolated, friendless and ready to commit suicide. His life is transformed when Madison (Daniela Bobadilla) answers and the two reconnect through social media, texts and FaceTime. The film uses FaceTime as its main storytelling device and it really gives adult viewers a feel what the modern teen online social life is like. It doesn’t matter if very few kids use specific programs or not nowadays. The fact that kids do use social media and chat programs in establishing social connections and how those connections can affect positive change does.

Madison is a social butterfly, seemingly popular; a beloved party queen who has something happening every night of the week. She decides to take on Teel as her “project” and help him make friends and get out more. Teel’s problems are bigger than she bargained for – he is gay and is beaten up in school. Despite some arguments, Madison does not give up on Teel. That is a good thing because as Teel discovers, Madison is hiding her own secrets.

The film addresses bullying, LGBTQ issues, date rape and sexual molestation. While nothing is graphically shown, it’s heart-rending to watch as these two teens struggle to carry this burden through high school. It shows the power of the internet and how it can strengthen a youth’s social safety net. The bonds of friendship are of utmost importance. It’s not a didactic or pedantic film and as an adult watching the film I felt and appreciated exactly what the filmmaker was trying to convey. As the parent of a young adult, it was terrific to look inside the workings of teens’ lives via online social networks and how they can be positive experiences. I am positive teens will appreciate both of those, but from the perspective of being on the other end of the screen.

I think teens will appreciate this film too and not just because of the internet framing device. I found Teel and Madison to be very real.  Both performances are electric and a genuine connection to each other manifests many feels in viewers. Again, some may pick up on the outdated social media sites, but if they look past the window dressing will find the story moving compelling and gripping. As the movie picks up and heads towards Madison’s big reveal and its explosive repercussions, it’s impossible to look away. You’ll be rooting for the pair right up to the somewhat unexpected end.

Director Toronto wrote the script along with his brother, Aaron Toronto. This is his second feature film, after 2011’s The Pact, and word should definitely be spread that he is a director and writer to watch. He has a clear grasp of teen life and culture and on teen emotions.  He brings out the very best in Amerman (“Glee,” “Arrested Development”) and Bobadilla (“Anger Management,” “The Middle”). They are both a delight to watch onscreen.

Face 2 Face is a unique, intense and gripping drama about young people in the 21^st century. It’s a much-needed message in today’s tumultuous society, using the technology of digital natives.  I highly recommend it for your next night in!