DeKalb Elementary

DeKalb Elementary is a powerful short film by director Reed Van Dyk that penetrates our collective consciousness about school shootings in America. Recognized at prestigious film festivals, the 2017 production saw Shinelle Azoroh, John Brockus, and Michael Brown deliver compelling performances, making the film an unforgettable cinematic experience.

At the heart of DeKalb Elementary is a real-life 911 call from a devastating incident. The movie brilliantly encapsulates the tense setting of an ordinary school day that takes a dreadful turn. It catches the viewer off-guard and brings them straight into a situation that is raw with tension and fraught with overwhelming fear. The film's narrative structure is wisely chosen to be simple yet gripping, focusing on the interplay between its main characters rather than a complex plot, thus making the experience more authentic and the message more harrowing.

Shinelle Azoroh takes on the role of Cassandra Rice, a school receptionist at DeKalb Elementary, with a remarkable combination of vulnerability and strength. Azoroh’s subtle and nuanced portrayal of Rice brings to the fore the complex emotions and courage behind the calm voice we typically associate with these tragic calls.

On the other hand, Michael Brown stands out in his role as the troubled shooter, Steven Hall. Brown does splendid work, building an uneasy connection with the audience. His portrayal of a man battling inner demons and taking a destructive path into a full-blown crisis is undoing and melancholic, presenting a chilling reality and urging audiences to question why these tragedies occur.

Finally, John Brockus lends strong support to the narrative in his brief but impactful role as a policeman. His part, though not as focal as the other two, is crucial in maintaining the intensity and suspense in the story.

Director Reed Van Dyk skillfully amplifies the tension in DeKalb Elementary by deploying arresting visuals and effectively using silence as a storytelling tool. The relatively empty hallways and classrooms lend an air of foreboding that is heightened by the stark isolation provided by the camera work. The tense silence is interspersed with the jarring ring of the phone, the unsteady breathing of the characters, or murmurs of distant chatter—trivial sounds that, when juxtaposed against the calm before the storm, give birth to a haunting narrative space.

The film’s masterstroke, however, comes from its layered exploration of its characters. As the narrative progresses, viewers are allowed glimpses into its characters' vulnerabilities and strengths, offering a profound insight into human resilience in the face of danger. This focus on character development makes the movie deeply emotional and relatable, taking the viewers on a roller coaster ride of fear, hope, desperation, and relief.

While DeKalb Elementary is essentially a drama about a school shooting, it takes the liberty to venture into exploring mental health. It places importance on empathy and compassion as the necessary tools to combat such tragic situations, highlighting how effective communication can pave the way for resolution, however bleak the circumstances might be.

What stands out in DeKalb Elementary is that it doesn't exploit the event for sensationalism but rather presents a genuine effort to understand the human elements that play out during such devastating situations. As a result, a heavy subject matter is handled with incredible sensitivity, creating a poignant drama that resonates with the audience.

Despite its short time span, DeKalb Elementary remarkably encapsulates a highly charged situation with an emotional depth that leaves a strong impact. The movie unflinchingly brings to light the grim reality of school shootings and acts as an urgent clarion call that heralds the need for change.

By the time the credits roll, viewers are left with a heightened consciousness about the tragedies that plague society. The film underlines the importance of empathy and understanding, both in saving lives and potentially preventing tragic situations from arising. DeKalb Elementary is a powerful reminder of reality's grim incidents and the resilience that the human spirit can muster in the face of extreme adversity.