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Blackbird

An alienated teenager's posturing online threat ignites a firestorm of fear in a small community.

2012 · 1h 43m · N/A Drama
Directed by Jason Buxton

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Overview

This is a film about a troubled teen, Sean Randall, who is falsely accused of planning a Columbine shooting scenario. It all begins when an unlikely bond forms between Sean (Connor Jessup) and a preppy teenage girl named Deanna Roy (Alexia Fast). Deanna's boyfriend is deeply threatened by Sean and Deanna's friendship, resulting in a violent confrontation. Seeking to protect himself, Sean issues a death threat online - and is swiftly arrested. When the police raid Sean's home, they find rifles, shotguns, knives and ammunition - all property of Sean's father Ricky (Michael Buie), an avid hunter. They also find a supposed "hit list" with twenty names of people who have tormented Sean. The authorities and the media proclaim another Columbine has been narrowly averted, and soon Sean faces a terrifying imprisonment in a youth detention facility. Sean's only hope is to overcome his dark image, and prove his innocence to Deanna and to his community.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
57%
Tomatometer
Fresh

The clock starts to drag, and some energy is lost. But the movie displays a lot of promise both in front of and behind the lens.

Peter Howell, Toronto Star
Rotten

Credit to Buxton here for extracting conviction from such young actors. The performances aren't wholly redemptive, but they are compelling.

Michael Posner, Globe and Mail

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