Rated

Rated is a heartfelt family comedy short film that was released in 2016. John Fortson directed and wrote the film, and it stars the talented Christie Lynn Smith, John Fortson, and Abby Ryder Fortson. The film brilliantly employs humor while dealing with complex societal issues, such as the influence of external validation on self-esteem and the dynamics of societal structures.

The central character, Maggie, portrayed by the remarkably talented Christie Lynn Smith, wakes up one ordinary day to discover that she is living in an alienating and perplexing society, where individuals are rated by stars hanging over their heads. These stars are visible to everyone and easily differentiate between those who have the highest rating and those who have low ratings. The movie conveys the theme of existential anxiety through Maggie's struggle with this disturbing reality. In this new reality, only good behavior can earn one more stars, leading to social praise and prestige, while negative deeds can diminish the stars, creating social disgrace and embarrassment.

The twist in the tale arises when Maggie suddenly finds herself with a mere 2.5 rating out of 5, a stark contrast to her previous 'perfect' score. This sudden change deeply affects her social standing and personal relationships. She goes through myriad feelings of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance, navigating what these stars mean to her as well as her value without them.

The film is brilliantly paced with comedy, drama, and emotion, inviting the audience on a journey with Maggie as she uncovers this peculiar rating system's underlying truth. It paints a disconcerting picture of how much weight society puts on status, popularity, and public opinion and how it correlates to personal worth. It seamlessly integrates this theme into the family dynamic, showcasing varying aspects of societal pressure within the home setting. Christie Lynn Smith's strong performance effortlessly navigates Maggie’s reactions to this complex situation, showcasing her complete discomfort, loneliness, and her search for validation from her surroundings.

John Fortson and Abby Ryder Fortson, who portray Maggie's husband and daughter, respectively, deliver compelling performances that complement Smith's portrayal of Maggie remarkably. John’s charismatic and natural performance adds equal measures of humor and heart, proving a strong pillar of support for Maggie’s character. Abby does justice to her part as an innocent child witnessing her mother's struggle with societal expectations and stands out with her natural performance that adds an extra layer to the narrative.

Rated highlights the dark side of living in a ratings-ruled society where every action is scrutinized, and people are forced to live up to societal expectations, losing their individuality in the process. It effectively takes on the metaphorical message of societal acceptance and criticism, seeking validation from others, and the race to stay relevant in a competitive society.

The film's cinematography is commendable. It masterfully juxtaposes the real world's painful starkness, where everyone is judged on superficial standards, with the colorful and genuine universe of self-realization. The intuitive and meticulous editing of the film adds to the fluidity of the narrative, making it a gratifying watch.

John Fortson is successful in creating a thought-provoking masterpiece with a run time of just under 20 minutes. He brilliantly uses comedy as a tool to tackle sensitive topics, making Rated a somber social critique disguised as an entertaining and humor-laden short film. Through Rated, he tells a universally relevant story that questions how society measures worth, encouraging viewers to rethink the concept of self-worth and societal validation.

In conclusion, Rated is a compelling short film packed with solid performances, smart scripting, a unique premise, and engaging storytelling. It’s a reminder that one's worth should not be dictated by the gaze of society, rather, it should be defined by personal growth and self-acceptance. Worth watching for the powerful message it sends across and its tabulation of societal attitudes.