Wyrm (2019)

Overview
"Wyrm" is a 2019 American independent film that looks into the awkwardness of teenage years with an innovative blend of sci-fi and comedy. Directed and written by Christopher Winterbauer, the movie is set in an alternate retropunk timeline where Wyrm, a young kid, must undergo a distinct initiation rite. Making use of dark humor, ridiculous situations, and poignant minutes, "Wyrm" is a remarkably quirky funny that reviews seclusion, the age of puberty, family characteristics, and the pains of maturing.

The Setting
The story of "Wyrm" happens in a parallel universe where kids are fitted with a "collar" that monitors their virginity, which only falls off when they have their very first kiss. If a child does not lose his/her collar prior to a certain age, they run the risk of ending up being a social castaway and being held back at school. The movie focuses on this uncomfortable duration of teenage years and enhances it through its peculiar premise.

Main Characters
The movie follows the protagonist, Wyrm, who is the only kid still using his collar in the 8th grade. He's an oddball and traditional misfit, browsing through his humiliations, anxieties, and the complex, frequently funny battles of maturing. Sadly, as the deadline to remove his collar nears, he has a hard time to find somebody to share his first kiss with.

Wyrm's sis, Myrcella, presents a stark contrast to him. She is vibrant, positive, and seemingly well-adjusted. Their relationship unravels throughout the movie, showcasing a common sibling dynamic filled with bickering, stress, and clandestine affection.

The Plot
As the narrative unfolds, Wyrm becomes more desperate to get his collar off, leading him into numerous comical adventures. The movie remarkably records his uncomfortable interactions with his fellow trainees, his efforts at romantic courtship, and the influence of his inefficient family. It beautifully illuminates the universal feel of teenage angst and the lengths one is willing to go through to suit.

Parallel to this, Myrcella has a substantial subplot, which further includes depth to their household's narrative. After their mom's death, she is stuck playing the adult role in their family, trying to make everyone happy while dealing with her personal struggles, deepening the film's take on teenage years.

Conclusion
"Wyrm" uses its distinct concept as both a comical gadget and a metaphorical commentary on societal pressures teenagers face while stepping towards their adult years. The smart mix of familiar feelings with distinct sci-fi aspects makes it a non-traditional coming-of-age tale.

Christopher Winterbauer demonstrates his abilities as a writer by producing complicated and recognizable characters embedded in an extraordinarily unreasonable world. His unique dialogue integrated with excellent performances, particularly by Theo Taplitz as Wyrm and Azure Brandi as Myrcella, brings depth and relatability to the characters.

"Wyrm" is a well-crafted, thought-provoking film that perfectly showcases the struggles, vulnerabilities, and accomplishments of adolescence, proving that this agonizing shift into their adult years can certainly be awkward, scary, and incredibly funny in the strangest ways.

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