Kaylien (2011)

Film Overview
"Kaylien" is a short movie from 2011 which revolves around the concerns of bullying and the battle of fitting in at school. At its core, the movie is an ode to social approval, promoting compassion and understanding towards those who are 'various'. The movie is directed by Zoe Saldana with manufacturers Nilo Otero and Cinestar Pictures.

Plot
The film starts with a day in the life of a young autistic boy called Jeremy (played by Jayden Maddux). The boy can't seem to fit in at school and has a hard time to get in touch with his peers. His mom (played by Taryn Manning) attempts to provide support and guidance however is not able to totally comprehend or reduce his adversity.

Go into Kaylien, a small, charming alien who crash arrive on earth and is not able to communicate with the human types she finds herself surrounded by. The parallels between Jeremy and Kaylien are right away established with both having a hard time to make themselves understood in an environment where they feel absolutely alien.

Styles
Through the characters of both Jeremy and Kaylien, the movie explores the theme of being 'different'. It looks into how individuals, particularly children, who are different from what society deems 'typical' can feel alienated and misunderstood.

The film effectively uses the metaphor of Kaylien's alienation to highlight feelings of isolation, battle and the desire to be accepted. There is a sense of melancholic charm in the shots revealing Jeremy and Kaylien in their isolation, thus wonderfully encapsulating their solitude and desire for companionship.

Performing and Directing
Jayden Maddux, the child star playing Jeremy, surprises with his ability to bring an intricate character to life. His representation of Jeremy's struggles with his autism is convincing and touching, in addition to Manning's efficiency as his concerned mother. The directing is also commendable, as it catches the layers of feelings experienced by the characters without ending up being melodramatic.

Conclusion
"Kaylien" is a thought-provoking short movie about approval, compassion and understanding. It joins together the concept of a sci-fi alien character with the real-life struggle of an autistic kid trying to suit society, permitting audiences to understand the style through an imaginative lens. The film wonderfully encapsulates loneliness and alienation, and the struggle to generate compassion and acceptance.

Although brief, "Kaylien" is heavy with significance and a real-life message that hits home. Despite the superficially whimsical sci-fi story, it frames an important social concern in its own special method. Planned to set off a discussion about autism, it does so without being too preachy or pedantic, however rather, by presenting the narrative through a relatable young character and an adorable alien entity.

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