Dìdi (弟弟)

Absolutely loved this film, one of my new all time favorites. There is much to pick apart here and think on. Like how teenage boys are to be repressed and subdued, which we see when Chris is with his family (with the exception of his grandmother)—yet with his friends he opens up. His lack of gratitude for his mother was particularly devastating and it made me want to give my mom a big hug. Growing up online was very messed up, but also very beautiful and I’m glad I finally saw a movie that represented it so artfully and honestly. One of my favorite moments from the film is when Chris almost messages Madi that he was embarrassed after not kissing her, but instead he blocks her. This to me perfectly encapsulates how boys are taught to behave, they aren’t to show or even feel emotions, and it would be better to isolate than to be vulnerable. We also only have the absence of his father, which leads us to see his only male modeling coming from his peers, who are equally repressed. This type of repression leads to a rage in teenage boys, which we see manifested throughout the film.  His relationship with his sister also struck me as so telling of the way we cope with family dynamics. At some level sibling drama is a competition for parental affection/approval, or led by a need to individuate, but their connection that buds and their final hug just had me so emotional. She wanted to take care of her brother but like it is with any relationship the afflicted person has to be willing to help themselves, willing to open up—in a way that teenage boys unable to do because of patriarchal modeling. You want so bad for him to confide in somebody but he simply cannot. Anyway thank you 2 Sean Wang for making this, excited to see whatever else he makes. And congratulations to all the actors of all ages that gave such tremendous performances.