Whole New Thing

Whole New Thing is a charming and engaging indie film hailing from Canada that was first released in 2005. The movie is directed by seasoned director Amnon Buchbinder, and its lead characters are brilliantly brought to life by the enticing performances of Aaron Webber, Robert Joy, and Rebecca Jenkins.

Whole New Thing is centered around Emerson (Aaron Webber), a precocious and bright 13-year-old boy endowed with a level of intelligence and worldly wisdom beyond his years. Raised in a nontraditional upbringing in the expansive, lush Nova Scotia by his free-thinking and eco-minded parents, Kaya (Rebecca Jenkins) and Rog (Robert Joy), Emerson has been mostly secluded from mainstream society and formal education, left instead to the ample room of his boundless imagination, extensive reading, and intimate teaching lessons with his parents.

The plotline takes a twist as Emerson's sheltered world expands to a conventional backdrop. To foster their son's academic abilities, Kaya and Rog decide to send him to the local junior high school, expecting a seamless transition. The gifted Emerson, however, fumbles to blend into the unfamiliar environment populated by his more typical peers. The other students at the school prove to be a stark contrast to Emerson's quirkiness and offbeat interests that largely stem from, and are nurtured by, his unconventional upbringing.

The conflict and drama in Whole New Thing arise as Emerson develops an infatuation for his English teacher, Don Grant (Daniel MacIvor). Don, struggling with dissatisfaction concerning his faltering writing career, stale relationship, and dystopian outlook on life, becomes an appealing figure to the vivacious spirit and curiosity of the incoming Emerson.

Although he initially navigates clumsily within his new environment, Emerson manages to carve a niche for himself within the school by his sheer cleverness. He is not exactly accepted, nor does he become popular, but his distinct personality undoubtedly creates an impression. Significant transformations unravel as characters grapple with their beliefs, interests, inclisions, and realities.

Aaron Webber presents an unforgettable performance as the young, eccentric, yet endearing Emerson, handling the complexity of his character with a mature grace. Robert Joy and Rebecca Jenkins equally shine as Emerson's parents, portraying a convincing representation of parents who unconditionally love their eccentric child yet struggle with their changing reality.

Whole New Thing is not just a story about teenage angst, a nonconforming family, or a midlife crisis. It's a delicate narrative on self-recognition, acceptance, human connection, and the multifaceted dimensions of love. Director Amnon Buchbinder weaves together these intertwining stories with a keen sensitivity, presenting each character's feelings, desires, and struggles with an empathetic eye.

This nuanced drama is also imbued with a layer of refreshing humor that lightens the weight of the moving themes. The dialogue is witty, the scenarios sometimes absurdly humorous, and the distinct personality of each character provides a unique blend of comedic relief amidst the deeper narrative.

Cinematically, Whole New Thing makes excellent use of the beautiful Nova Scotia environment. The use of such breathtaking natural surroundings sets a contrasting tone to the struggles of the leading characters, where the vast landscapes invite viewers to think about the endless possibilities life holds.

Ultimately, Whole New Thing champions the cause of diversity and non-conformity, showing how those who stand out from the crowd often face undue bias but can also disrupt the status quo and influence change, offering a whole new perspective – a whole new thing. It celebrates those who dare to swim against the tide, breaking free from societal expectations.

In conclusion, Whole New Thing is a compelling indie film, featuring standout performances that tell a heartfelt story of self-discovery, acceptance, and the complexities of human relations peppered with humor. With promising cinematography and an empathetic directorial touch, it is a testament to the power of independent cinema to tell poignant, personal, and powerful stories.