Blackbird is a Story of Choice and Consequence and this latest effort from Canadian Writer/Director Jason Buxton likely will make you walk away thinking twice about what you say or do. Set in a landscape of Teenage Angst, at the center of it all is lonely soul Sean Randall (Connor Jessup), who strikes an unlikely friendship with Deanna (Alexa Fast). After her Boyfriend Cory (Craig Arnold) discovers this, tempers flare and death threats are made online.
One thing leads to another and after calling the Police, a raid is done on Sean‘s home. As coincidence and misfortune would have it, his Father Ricky (Michael Buie) is a Hunter and Firearms are found at their home as well as other incriminating evidence like a Fantasy Revenge Story Sean had been writing, which could be seen as proof he planned to plot a Massacre on his Schoolmates. He soon finds himself at a Youth Detention Facility, caught in a web of violence, struggling to maintain his innocence as his patience is tested and his name is perhaps irrevocably damaged in his Community.
Those expecting a gut-wrenching journey might not get this, but what drives Blackbird is the strength of its performances and the message you take away. Toronto’s own Jessup stamps himself as one to look-out for, fully committed in his icy bewilderment as his life spirals out of control and all sorts of horrible things are bestowed upon him. We very soon realize that the issue in fact is not him, but it is the others surrounding him and circumstances he is placed in. The ever-menacing Trevor (Alex Ozerov) is more than ably brought to life by another promising young Canadian Talent. He perhaps is one of the most intriguing Characters in the Story, adding an element of fire to the Film and going through a journey of his own. Fast‘s Deanna perhaps written a tad distant considering her integral role in Sean‘s battle, also is a commanding presence.
Look beyond the surface and always demand the truth. A71 Entertainment Inc. releases Blackbird in Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax and Montreal on Friday, May 10, 2013, followed one week later in Sydney, Moncton and Calgary.
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