Disconnect Review

Disconnect

3.5 stars out of 4

By Brett Takeshita

I must first start off by saying that I am very much a fan of these ambitious films with interweaving, connected stories. (Think Crash and Babel). However, I understand that many people have a problem with these types of films. That's completely understandable and completely reasonable. However, I urge everyone to check out Disconnect. It'd be a shame to miss out on one of the best movies so far this year.

Disconnect consists of three stories that all deal with the dangers and consequences of our technology-obsessed society. The first story focuses upon Ben (Jonah Bobo), a high schooler who is misunderstood. Even his father (Jason Bateman) seems more invested in his smartphone than his music-loving son. Ben begins chatting with a nice girl named Jessica over Facebook. Little does he know that this is a prank constructed by his classmate, Colin (Jason Dixon). The second story focuses upon Derek (Alexander Skarsgard) and Cindy (Paula Patton). They are a couple mourning the recent loss of their young son. Cindy turns to online chat rooms to help ease the pain. Derek avoids talk of their son altogether. Then, Derek -- while away on a business trip -- notices that his credit card won't work. Turns out that Derek and Cindy's identity has been stolen, and they must track down the person responsible. The final story focuses upon Nina (Andrea Riseborough), an ambitious news anchor who is sick of telling the same boring stories each and every day. Then, one day, she decides to reach out to an underage chat room/sex site worker named Kyle (Max Thieriot), who does dirty deeds over his webcam for a big salary. After talking and forming a relationship with him, Nina wants to tell Kyle's compelling story on television, even though she knows how dangerous and controversial it is.

Over the course of two hours, Disconnect intercuts these three stories until they all connect and collide by the film's conclusion. It's an ambitious picture that is nothing short of riveting. This is the first non-documentary film from director Henry Alex Rubin, and I am happy to report that he does an incredible job with this film. He tells the story in a very naturalistic sort of way, so that it never strays from realism, even when the drama does begin to escalate. Rubin has a knack for tension. Disconnect will have you holding your breath the whole time, and trust me, that is a good thing. It's rare to see movies that will keep you emotionally invested while on the edge of your seat the whole time. Disconnect is masterful filmmaking.

The acting ensemble here is phenomenal. Johan Bobo and Jason Dixon will absolutely break your heart with their highly affective performances. It's amazing to see such incredible talent from such young actors, and I look forward to seeing more of them in the future. It's great to see Jason Bateman in his first solely dramatic role. This film proves that he is a fine actor who can do way more than comedy. Paula Patton is absolutely lovely in every moment of this film, and she has true understanding of her character. Alexander Skarsgard gives an incredible performance that is against type. Usually, he's the sexy, charismatic, brooding gentleman. However, here, he is the damaged, worn-out father. He gives a quiet performance that is so emotionally resonant and so deeply moving. Andrea Riseborough is fantastic playing this difficult, complex woman. Riseborough understands stakes and truly commits to her character. Lastly, Max Thieriot is sensational. Here is another talented young actor who delivers a powerful, heartbreaking performance. Perhaps Kyle is the best character in the entire film -- a damaged yet inherently likable young kid -- and maybe that's why Thieriot gives one of the finest performances in the film. Ultimately, if you see Disconnect for only one reason, it should be for the performances. All of these actors are sensational, and they deliver on every level, even when the script sometimes doesn't hold up. This is one of the finest acting ensembles of the year.

Disconnect is a stunning, mesmerizing film. Similar to the recent The Place Beyond the Pines, it's ambitious and powerful. In fact, with Disconnect, I was so shaken by the ending that it was all I could think about for the next few days. Not only did I become attached to the characters in the film, but I thought about the characters and the stories, and I connected them to my life. In other words, Disconnect actually made me reflect upon our current moment in history. It made me realize that technology is both a blessing and a curse. It made me contemplate on the present and the future. Just think back to the last time that a movie made you do that. I'm sure you're having a hard time coming up with one. I know I did. Therefore, go seek out Disconnect. It's a "small" indie movie that's in limited release right now, but you cannot miss it. Let the crisp direction and powerful themes haunt you. Let the cool imagery and gorgeous score enter your brain. Let the fantastic performances and thought provoking stories "wow" you. Disconnect is an incredible motion picture that is close to perfection. Three and a half stars out of four.