Consent

Consent, released in 2010, is a dramatic thriller that tells the story of a group of privileged teens whose lives take a harrowing turn when a video of a sexual encounter begins to circulate around their school. The film is directed and co-written by Ron Brown and stars Peter Vack, Troian Bellisario, and Betsey Brown.

At the center of the movie is 17-year-old Evan (Peter Vack), a charismatic and popular student at an exclusive prep school in New York City. Evan is the kind of guy that girls adore and guys want to befriend. He is smart, athletic, and handsome, and he knows how to use his charm to get what he wants.

One evening, Evan meets Claire (Troian Bellisario), a new girl at school who is shy and reserved. Evan quickly takes a liking to her and invites her to a party. They drink, dance, and eventually end up in a bedroom together, where they engage in a sexual encounter. What Evan doesn't know is that one of his friends has filmed the encounter without their consent.

The morning after, Evan is shocked to discover that a video of him and Claire has been uploaded to the internet and is being shared among his classmates. He is worried that this will damage his reputation and ruin his chances of getting into a good college. Claire, on the other hand, is devastated and ashamed. She becomes the target of bullying and harassment from other students who blame her for the video.

Evan and Claire decide to take legal action against those responsible for posting the video. They seek the help of Betsey Brown (Betsey Brown), a lawyer who specializes in cases of sexual harassment and assault. Betsey is a strong and confident woman who is determined to help Evan and Claire get justice. She faces many obstacles along the way, including a school administration that tries to sweep the incident under the rug and a legal system that is slow to act.

As the case unfolds, Evan and Claire's relationship becomes strained. Evan is hesitant to speak out publicly, fearing that it will make things worse for both of them. Claire, meanwhile, feels betrayed by Evan and struggles to trust him again. The two must confront their own feelings about the incident and each other as they navigate a complex legal and social landscape.

While Consent addresses issues of sexual harassment and assault, it does not do so in a preachy or heavy-handed way. Instead, the film shows the emotional toll that these kinds of incidents can take on everyone involved. It portrays the complexities of relationships and power dynamics among young people, as well as the legal and social obstacles that victims of harassment and assault often face.

The film is well-acted, with strong performances from its lead actors. Peter Vack brings nuance and depth to his portrayal of Evan, imbuing the character with charm and vulnerability. Troian Bellisario is equally compelling as Claire, conveying a range of emotions with subtlety and grace. Betsey Brown delivers a memorable performance as the tough and determined lawyer who fights for justice.

Consent is a thought-provoking and engaging film that explores important issues of sexual harassment and assault through the lens of a dramatic thriller. Its message is clear and important, but it is also a well-crafted and entertaining movie that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.