And so it is. After much promise--flashes of intelligence, isolated moments of brilliance--Goyins puts it all together in what is certainly his most mature film. Set in the early '80s, The Dead Kid relates the tragic story of an adolescent boy's disappearance in a small coastal town. It is told through the eyes of a same-aged girl (Mandalynn Carlson) whose growing awareness of the surrounding incidents (the boy was bullied by locals) provides a sturdy, empathetic core. Unabashedly literary (based on a short story by Gillian King, who shares screenplay credit), the film effortlessly moves through a nonlinear narrative space, interweaving first person narration with observational storytelling to create a dense, emotionally rich texture. The cinematography has a warm, glowing, nostalgic sheen, and every production detail is calibrated for maximum emotional effect. There are numerous felicitous touches (such as the "Greek chorus" of kids that ease the transitions between scenes) but the biggest revelation, at least to this viewer, is that Goyins proves himself, after the old soul world-weariness of After the Denim and the shocking body horror of Vitriolage, a sensitive director of children. But to say so doesn't convey the full effect of watching The Dead Kid. It has to be seen to be believed. Goyins and his team of collaborators have made a small classic that speaks to specific social issues (race, class, bullying, etc.) without neglecting the all important human element. In short, it is a major accomplishment.
15 Reviews
The short film you hope to see
DougFrerichs30 August 2013
"The Dead Kid" is everything you hope for when you start watching a short film. The cinematography is strong, the sound and editing are invisible (sound is so often a short film's downfall), the score is present at all the right times but not overtly so—the film is feature- quality. But ultimately, what stands out most after viewing "The Dead Kid" is how well-written it is. The story has a forward-motion rarely seen in short films, and even features. Every scene matters in this film, nothing is nonessential. You find yourself deeply engrossed in every character, the main and the supporting. Dialogue is genuine, moments are real; you will find yourself moved to a multitude of emotions throughout the film's entirety. Well-crafted and meaningful, Gregory Goyins and his team of filmmakers have made a substantial piece of film that is surely the beginning of long-line of significant work to come.
An elegant foray into the darkness of growing up
marylois-788-91030410 September 2013
THE DEAD KID deals with the conflicts of childhood's mistakes. The protagonist knows she is complicit to wrongdoing even though she didn't do wrong, and she confesses her feelings of guilt in this touching, smart and wise little film. Deftly written with a realistic yet poetic tone, THE DEAD KID is directed with dark and vital imagery,illuminating a story that could have happened to anybody. The story deals with bullying--the kid who is innocent, bullied, yet takes it and perhaps expects it. Two girls observe the acts but do nothing to stop them, and one of them suffers for realizing that.
Watching THE DEAD KID reminds the viewer of those many omissions and slight transgressions of childhood and youth we were never punished for, except in our own hearts. Very touching, very well done. It is a remembrance and an apology for all of us.
Watching THE DEAD KID reminds the viewer of those many omissions and slight transgressions of childhood and youth we were never punished for, except in our own hearts. Very touching, very well done. It is a remembrance and an apology for all of us.
A moving story about adolescent guilt
allgoodjunk29 August 2013
Filmmaker Gergory Goyins reminds us what it's like to be at the difficult and transitional age of late childhood in his film The Dead Kid. Annie Baxter lives a normal life. She plays with her friends, camps outside at night, explores her hometown, and she starts noticing boys, hoping they notice her too. Her innocent desire for one boy's attention allows her to look the other away as her crush bullies another child. After the bullied child goes missing, Annie is burdened by her lack of action to defend the boy. Goyins wonderfully illustrates the fear and guilt weighing us down from little mistakes we make for the sake of acceptance by our peers. Most importantly though, the film reminds us to forgive ourselves for these little mistakes. In only 27 minutes, Goyins tells a small story with a big and long lasting emotional impact. This film deserves to be seen and heard.
An incredibly heart warming story that touches on issues of racism and bullying that is sadly very prevalent to this day.
whisperinwillowz29 August 2013
It broke my heart, it touched my heart. Having been bullied many times as a child who was close friends with a 'black' girl in a very small segregated town in Maryland during the 70's, the story brought back all the memories of what she and I dealt with. I cried for Frankie, I cried for his parents and I cried remembering my friend Michelle. I love that the film showed that not only did Frankie's death affect his parents,but the whole community. It should do just that. Otherwise we can never hope for change. It's a beautiful film. It's genuine in it's truth and respectful in it's delivery of a very profound message. Annie being consumed with remorse locked in the freezer and then being forgiven by Frankie's spirit was incredibly moving. As was having Mr. Dunbar save Annie and carry her home with tears in his eyes as he held her tight to him, filled with poised yet obvious relief and concern for her. Through out the whole film you are made to revisit your own moral fiber. Loved it!
Mr. Dunbar
suenaustin30 August 2013
I was very much moved by this short story from Gillian King and the way it was brought to life by its director Gregory Goyins.
The Dead Kid is the memory of a childhood time when Frankie, a neighborhood kid who was frequently the target of bullies disappears and the community is shaken up. Frankie's parents are grief stricken while other parents keep a closer eye on their own. As told by Annie, who lived on the same street as Frankie, the other kids run wild with speculation as to what happened to him.
A favorite place for kids to go to was the town dump, which was tended to by the town's dump keeper, Mr. Dunbar. Everything the town no longer wanted or needed would end up there and what is one person's trash is another person's treasure. Mr. Dunbar understood kids, both the good and the bad parts of them.
I think the way Greg Goyins brought out the realness of the kids was excellent, but to me the most important character was Mr. Dunbar. What is beautiful about this film is we can all take from it so many different emotions. I loved it.
The Dead Kid is the memory of a childhood time when Frankie, a neighborhood kid who was frequently the target of bullies disappears and the community is shaken up. Frankie's parents are grief stricken while other parents keep a closer eye on their own. As told by Annie, who lived on the same street as Frankie, the other kids run wild with speculation as to what happened to him.
A favorite place for kids to go to was the town dump, which was tended to by the town's dump keeper, Mr. Dunbar. Everything the town no longer wanted or needed would end up there and what is one person's trash is another person's treasure. Mr. Dunbar understood kids, both the good and the bad parts of them.
I think the way Greg Goyins brought out the realness of the kids was excellent, but to me the most important character was Mr. Dunbar. What is beautiful about this film is we can all take from it so many different emotions. I loved it.
Gentle touch to a heavy subject
melvinhjohnsonjr3 September 2013
Warning: Spoilers
"The Dead Kid" proves that even the message of a heavy subject can be delivered without preaching or knocking the viewer over the head. The subject of bullying has gained more national attention in recent years. A big part of this is the growing presence of cyber-bullying. The filmmakers have approached the subject with skill that shows their deep understanding of the effect peer pressure can have on bullying. They also show how all too often kids stand by for fear of becoming the target of bullies themselves. The writer did an excellent job of covering not only how the loss of a loved one can devastate surviving family members, but also how it impacts those around them. The director and crew did a great job with the production values of this film. Short films are often short budgets, and it shows. Score, editing, acting, etc were all above par. This crew did a job on par with feature length films. In fact, this film had production values better than some features I've seen. In all, I enjoyed this film and would great;y recommend it to others.
An absolute MUST SEE short film.
freeesia31 August 2013
After I'd watched The Dead Kid I couldn't stop thinking about it. I told everyone I know about it, about how they're going to love this new short film.
Besides the brilliant directing and the perfect settings, it was the story line that really got me. Completely believable, completely spooky, and you just can't stop thinking about it.
I kept thinking about those kids and what really happened. The mystery and intrigue of it all wrapped up in a short film. The dark and eerie look to the film, the fabulous acting. A film really worth seeing.
The writers and the director of this film are really going to go places. I'd like to see this film again.
Besides the brilliant directing and the perfect settings, it was the story line that really got me. Completely believable, completely spooky, and you just can't stop thinking about it.
I kept thinking about those kids and what really happened. The mystery and intrigue of it all wrapped up in a short film. The dark and eerie look to the film, the fabulous acting. A film really worth seeing.
The writers and the director of this film are really going to go places. I'd like to see this film again.
A Beautiful Short Film That Delivers a Timeless Message
cetrulo10 September 2013
Gregory D. Goyins and his team created a short film that will touch your heart and awaken your soul. This period piece delivers a timeless message about bullying, racism and peer pressure that everyone can relate to.
I especially liked the narration of the older Annie Baxter looking back on her life and the valuable lessons that she has learned. The cinematography is just beautiful and the child actors did an amazing job. I loved everything about Mr. Dunbar and he eventually moved me to tears.
This is a short that I could see being made into a feature film in the near future as all of the characters have such an amazing amount of potential.
I especially liked the narration of the older Annie Baxter looking back on her life and the valuable lessons that she has learned. The cinematography is just beautiful and the child actors did an amazing job. I loved everything about Mr. Dunbar and he eventually moved me to tears.
This is a short that I could see being made into a feature film in the near future as all of the characters have such an amazing amount of potential.
Powerful and Captivating
akpelaez30 August 2013
I am a very supportive friend. I have bought candles and lotions I did not even like, app design by friend's brother and have sung along to many cover bands! So I was prepared to root for this movie. Then something magical happened. I was sucked into the film, forgot this art was attached to a friend, forgot this was a short film and was awed by the cinematography. And I am always impressed with the actors he finds.Great casting. Great location. I don't know how they manage to make such an impressive film on a low budget. Can the producer fix my monthly budget? The editing was top notch, the movie flowed like a song. No wasted scene. No too soon cut aways. Overall this film made me a fan of short films.
Masterful
DisinterestedWisdom24 September 2013
Director Gregory Goyins latest masterpiece, The Dead Kid is a thoughtful meditation on the thin veneer that separates life and death, and upon which life, in all of it's fragile interconnectedness rests.Children become the perfect vehicle to explore the theme, not only because we've finally become witness to the danger and the harm of bullying, but because they are often the silent victims of the failures of the adults around them.
Seamlessly binding the terror of the Atlanta child murders into the story, a steady feeling of uneasiness parallels the disturbing events that surround the disappearance of Frankie Thomas, and the disarray and confusion that this creates in a small community. A sort of psychic trauma begins to envelope those involved, tilting reality askew and hinting that the sextant is not merely misaligned, but that the stars themselves have come disjointed. There are no isolated events in this universe as tragedy begins to self perpetuate. Artfully blurring the boundary between life and death, sanity and madness, The Dead Kid resonates powerfully as it hints at the fragility of a life and the web that binds us all.
It would be easy to see this film as a reflection on bullying, and it is that, most assuredly, but in this masterfully sensitive adaptation of Gillian King's short story, Director Greg Goyins again demonstrates a level of insight and command of the medium which is rare among young directors .
Seamlessly binding the terror of the Atlanta child murders into the story, a steady feeling of uneasiness parallels the disturbing events that surround the disappearance of Frankie Thomas, and the disarray and confusion that this creates in a small community. A sort of psychic trauma begins to envelope those involved, tilting reality askew and hinting that the sextant is not merely misaligned, but that the stars themselves have come disjointed. There are no isolated events in this universe as tragedy begins to self perpetuate. Artfully blurring the boundary between life and death, sanity and madness, The Dead Kid resonates powerfully as it hints at the fragility of a life and the web that binds us all.
It would be easy to see this film as a reflection on bullying, and it is that, most assuredly, but in this masterfully sensitive adaptation of Gillian King's short story, Director Greg Goyins again demonstrates a level of insight and command of the medium which is rare among young directors .
A Strong Short with Strong Messages
aaronmfaulkner4 September 2013
"The Dead Kid" finds a nice balance between tones of humor and sadness. It is an easy film to surrender yourself to because you can feel the filmmaker conveying that which many films lack: honesty.
The ability to find subject material that an audience can truly relate to can be a difficult task. Creating the experience to move an audience in line with that message, however, takes serious skill.
Though the director is only in the early stages of his career, he shows he can create a film that pulls the audience into a complete world. He allows you to travel alongside the protagonist with complete security knowing that your time -- and the experience -- are well worth it.
The ability to find subject material that an audience can truly relate to can be a difficult task. Creating the experience to move an audience in line with that message, however, takes serious skill.
Though the director is only in the early stages of his career, he shows he can create a film that pulls the audience into a complete world. He allows you to travel alongside the protagonist with complete security knowing that your time -- and the experience -- are well worth it.
Touching and Haunting
jmcerra20 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
"The Dead Kid" leaves a lot of questions open for the viewers' consideration -- and that's the strength of the film.
Did Frankie -- a bullied African-American kid who was slow, and fat and not good at sports -- go to the dump on his own, a lonely and troubled kid looking just to be left alone? Did he crawl into the refrigerator just looking to hide, unaware of the dangers? Or did he knowingly take his own life? Whether an accidental or intentional act, Frankie was driven to the dump that night because of he was bullied by the bad kids. And the good kids did nothing to stop the bullying. In fact, in their own small ways, they participated in the bullying.
Other issues are implicitly raised in this short film. Was Frankie picked on for other reasons not acknowledged by the film's main character -- because he was an adopted African-American kid, lacking in the self-esteem necessary to stand up for himself? Were the "good kids" complicit In this racism by not doing anything to stand up for Frankie?
"The Dead Kid" is told from the perspective of a young neighbor, Annie Baxter, who acknowledges that her claim to having been Frankie's friend was empty. She once played with Frankie in their younger days, when it did not matter who was friends with whom, but she distanced herself as they grew older. Annie's recognition that she should have stood up for Frankie ultimately drives her to accept a dangerous dare which helps her grasp and understand Frankie's last moments.
In just 27 minutes, "The Dead Kid" deals with complicated issues in touching, heartfelt, and non-judgmental ways. If you are a parent, it will leave you thinking about how to raise your own children by making you reflect about your own childhood as a bystander to bullying.
Did Frankie -- a bullied African-American kid who was slow, and fat and not good at sports -- go to the dump on his own, a lonely and troubled kid looking just to be left alone? Did he crawl into the refrigerator just looking to hide, unaware of the dangers? Or did he knowingly take his own life? Whether an accidental or intentional act, Frankie was driven to the dump that night because of he was bullied by the bad kids. And the good kids did nothing to stop the bullying. In fact, in their own small ways, they participated in the bullying.
Other issues are implicitly raised in this short film. Was Frankie picked on for other reasons not acknowledged by the film's main character -- because he was an adopted African-American kid, lacking in the self-esteem necessary to stand up for himself? Were the "good kids" complicit In this racism by not doing anything to stand up for Frankie?
"The Dead Kid" is told from the perspective of a young neighbor, Annie Baxter, who acknowledges that her claim to having been Frankie's friend was empty. She once played with Frankie in their younger days, when it did not matter who was friends with whom, but she distanced herself as they grew older. Annie's recognition that she should have stood up for Frankie ultimately drives her to accept a dangerous dare which helps her grasp and understand Frankie's last moments.
In just 27 minutes, "The Dead Kid" deals with complicated issues in touching, heartfelt, and non-judgmental ways. If you are a parent, it will leave you thinking about how to raise your own children by making you reflect about your own childhood as a bystander to bullying.
An Honest Film about Bullying and Peer Pressure
lowbudg3 September 2013
The Dead Kid is a wonderful half hour short that touches on the topics of bullying, racism and peer pressure without being heavy handed on any of the issues. Rather, the director/writer Goyins weaves elements of these social issues into the fabric of a place in time that we can all relate to.
The bullied kid in the piece is a target for many reasons, reasons that we can all remember when thinking back to our school aged years, and reasons that kids can still relate to today. The story further delves into a surprising direction when the bullied kid goes missing, and it takes us into all too familiar territory where peer pressure and the need to be liked play significant roles in the choices we make at a young age.
I would recommend this short for viewing by any middle school anti-bullying organization.
The bullied kid in the piece is a target for many reasons, reasons that we can all remember when thinking back to our school aged years, and reasons that kids can still relate to today. The story further delves into a surprising direction when the bullied kid goes missing, and it takes us into all too familiar territory where peer pressure and the need to be liked play significant roles in the choices we make at a young age.
I would recommend this short for viewing by any middle school anti-bullying organization.
Great Short with heart
fatsoking6 September 2013
"The Dead Kid" succeeds on many levels where short films often fall short. Story telling is the emphasis here with strong points beyond the technical. The editing transitions well from scene to scene and the music has purpose in here especially in the exposition elements so key to the development of the story. So often exposition is an after thought but in "The Dead Kid" every moment on screen counts.
The writing is spot on as the characters' dialogue comes across as natural, believable and substantial. Without a spoiler the film has a heart and a message without coming across as sanctimonious. You will find this film to be engrossing and because of the film's strengths in dialogue and exposition the characters are believable and likable enough to invest a viewer's care in them. A strong score supports the film's story as characters are moved along to the climax of the story. Certainly a strong offering from director Gregory Goyins and his team and it promises more good things to come.
The writing is spot on as the characters' dialogue comes across as natural, believable and substantial. Without a spoiler the film has a heart and a message without coming across as sanctimonious. You will find this film to be engrossing and because of the film's strengths in dialogue and exposition the characters are believable and likable enough to invest a viewer's care in them. A strong score supports the film's story as characters are moved along to the climax of the story. Certainly a strong offering from director Gregory Goyins and his team and it promises more good things to come.
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