Wasted on the Young

Wasted on the Young is a 2010 Australian drama-thriller directed by Ben C. Lucas. The movie tells the story of a group of wealthy, privileged high school students and the events that ensue when their social order is disrupted by an outsider.

At the center of the movie are two stepbrothers, Darren and Zack, played by Oliver Ackland and Alex Russell, respectively. Darren is a popular athlete, admired and respected by his peers, while Zack is a quiet, introverted computer geek who spends most of his time working on his website, an online forum for social outcasts.

When parties at his house become too wild for him to control, Darren invites his younger stepbrother Zack to one in the hopes of giving him an opportunity to bond with his peers. At the party, Zack becomes smitten with Xandrie, played by Adelaide Clemens, an attractive classmate who is dating the school bully, Steve.

However, the mood quickly turns dark. After a few too many drinks, Xandrie is raped by Steve and his friends, who record the assault on their phones. When Darren discovers the footage, he tries to cover it up, but Zack is determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.

As the movie progresses, tensions between the stepbrothers and their classmates reach a boiling point, leading to a violent confrontation that has far-reaching consequences for all involved.

What sets Wasted on the Young apart from other high school dramas is its unflinching portrayal of the abuse of power and privilege, as well as its stark depiction of sexual violence. The movie doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of its subject matter, but rather confronts them head-on, asking difficult questions about justice, revenge, and the uses and abuses of technology.

The performances by the cast are outstanding, particularly Oliver Ackland as Darren, who delivers a nuanced portrayal of a young man struggling to maintain his social status in the face of difficult choices. Adelaide Clemens shines as Xandrie, bringing a sense of gravitas and depth to a role that could have easily been reduced to a victim.

The direction by Ben C. Lucas is also noteworthy, with the use of lighting, sound, and camera techniques to create a sense of atmosphere and tension that builds throughout the movie. The use of split-screen and other visual elements to reflect the fragmented perspectives of the characters is particularly effective.

Overall, Wasted on the Young is a gripping, emotionally charged drama that explores complex themes with intelligence and sensitivity. While not for the faint of heart, it is a movie that deserves to be seen and discussed, particularly in light of the ongoing conversations about sexual violence and the abuse of power that continue to dominate the headlines.