The Misguided

The Misguided is an enthralling independent drama film set that revolves around the twisted life of young adults in Perth, the biggest city in western Australia. Directed by Shannon Alexander, this 2018 film is a comprehensive portrayal of the complexities of life, relationships, and self-discovery. The exquisite storytelling, combined with the engaging performances of actors like Caleb Galati, Steven J. Mihaljevich, and Katherine Langford, make the film a compelling watch.

The film features a young man named Levi (Caleb Galati), who has recently dropped out of university. Levi finds himself disoriented and at a crossroads. In the midst of dealing with his self-created mess, his support system consists of his elder brother Wendel (Steven J. Mihaljevich), who himself is a dropout and leading an aimless life. Despite his own chaotic existence, Wendel is determined to look out for his younger brother, proving that familial ties can remain strong even amidst massive turbulence.

The freshness in the storyline is introduced when Levi falls for the beautiful and mysterious Sanja (Katherine Langford). Sanja is Wendel's new girlfriend, whose enigmatic charm is too overwhelming for the young, impressionable Levi to resist. Consequently, a conflicting yet fascinating love triangle is formed, further complicating Levi's already far-from-simple life. Here, the plot witnesses a critical twist, as the four characters are plunged into a series of events they never saw coming.

Katherine Langford, known for her popular role in Netflix's '13 Reasons Why', delivers an outstanding performance, bringing her character Sanja to life with the right intensity and empathy. Caleb Galati and Steven J. Mihaljevich are equally impressive, conveying the complex layers of their characters with potent believability. Their incremental on-screen growth reflects aspects of relatable, real-life struggles of adolescents seeking existential codes in an often confusing world.

The Misguided takes a raw and unflinching look at the various dimensions of relationships – from sibling bond to evolving love equations – and evokes a range of emotions in viewers. The narrative thread spins an intricate web of lies, truths, misadventures, and surprises that keep the audience engaged and intrigued till the end.

The backdrop of Perth, one of the most liveable cities in the world, paints a contrast to the tumultuous lives of the characters. The beauty of Perth, from its stunning beaches to the vibrant cityscape and scenic parks, adds to the visual appeal of the film and also subtly highlights the disparity between the serene exterior and the chaotic interior world of the characters.

Moreover, the film's original score further complements the visuals and the storytelling. The music is carefully picked to resonate with the characters' emotions, making certain moments even more impactful, thereby amplifying the tone and feel of the narrative.

Shannon Alexander's daring direction and strong storytelling remarkably shine in this film. His ability to weave a tale of depth and perception is commendable. The characters' personalities and their multi-faceted relationships with each other aren't presented as black or white; instead, they're presented with shades of grey, which adds an element of realism and complexity to the narrative. Alexander successfully makes a skewed portrait of youth, with the characters constantly swinging between choices and mistakes, triumphs, and failures.

The Misguided is certainly not a light watch – it's an intense exploration of complicated relationships, personal struggles, messy realities, and poignant self-reflection. Its honest narrative might be discomforting for some but also absorbing because of its ability to expose the raw aspects and hidden sides of human nature.

In this film, the protagonist and the supporting cast will take you through a whirlwind of emotions - the naïveté of youth, the vulnerability of love, the pain of betrayal, and the beauty of unspoken emotions. The Misguided gives viewers ample to reckon with. It's a fascinating cinematic journey, a thorough exploration of life’s complications and a tapestry of the human experience laid bare.

While the audience might come out pondering their feelings towards the characters, one thing that the film definitely succeeds in is holding the viewer's attention and keeping them engaged right till the end. The characters might be misguided in their paths, but the film is quite on track with its vivid storytelling and striking performances. The Misguided is surely not for the fainthearted but is most definitely a wonderful perspective on youth, struggles, and finding direction in misdirection.