Killing Animals (2015)

Introduction and Setting
"Killing Animals", co-directed by James Franco, Gerald Sullivan, and Jordan Matthew Young, is an American drama movie released in 2015. The motion picture is based upon Steven Elliot's book, "Happy Baby", and obtains its story from the defiant criminal lives of teenage characters set versus the background of suburban Los Angeles, highlighting the transitioning years from adolescence to the adult years.

Plot and Character Development
The essential theme of the movie centers on the linked relationships amongst a group of teens, their misdemeanors, and maturing in the rough and angst-filled teenage years. The story integrates stories of 6 characters - Ian, Brittany, Jordan, Trevor, Traci, and Jared - who appear to have unending confrontations with everything around them: society, school, family, and even family pets.

Storyline and Themes
"Killing Animals" goes beyond the basic narrative of teenage life and explores the expedition of the darker side, showing violent scenes and the ruthlessness caused upon animals as an outlet for their disappointments. It explores the complex dynamics of peer pressure, the need to fit into social standards, disagreement, disrupted familial relationships, and infatuation.

Each character advances a different aspect of being a teen, their struggles, and existential dilemmas. The title is not simply actual but also figurative, representing the 'killing' or suppression of their innocence, youth, and adolescence in the pursuit of their adult years.

Design and Cinematography
The movie's unique design is marked by its non-linear narrative pattern, where each character's story relocations in and out of time, therefore maintaining the coherence of the plot, while improving the complexity and depth of each character's journey. The gray landscapes and the routine rural settings are used skillfully by the directors to produce the dichotomy in between appearance and truth.

Performances
The efficiencies by the young stars are good, recording the essence of teenage angst, the experience of id, and psychological turmoil with a genuine and sensible representation.

The movie does not avoid representing the grim and the ugly side of the vulnerable teenage years and their actions, typically striking a chord with the audience's sentiments and individual experiences.

Crucial Reception
"Killing Animals", although not a mainstream smash hit, was greatly acknowledged for its completely truthful representation of the extreme realities faced by numerous teenagers. The shock value of the film, while disrupting to some, was seen as important by others to highlight the teenagers' severe struggles. However, the film's intense themes coupled with the violent graphic scenes developed quite a stir and likewise raised some debate upon its release.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "Killing Animals" is a deeply impactful portrayal of the dark sides of teenage years, underlining the cognitive dissonance experienced by many teens. It styles while questionable in nature, resonate highly with the truth of distressed teenage life. The film, characterized by its strong story and moving performances, impersonates a mirror showing the stark reality of teenage disobedience and the struggle for self-identity. Nevertheless, its challenging and violent narrative might not be tasty to everybody.

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