Max (Enzo Cellucci) is about to take his first acting class, and he has no idea what to expect. As the first session commences and each of his peers take the stage, performing a wide-range of scenes from popular works, Max observes not only said peers, but his instructor, Adam (David Krumholtz). Adam is energetic, passionate, and completely odd. After each of the other students has performed, it’s Max’s turn, and he will soon learn that there is an incredibly fine line that exists between Class and cult.
An element of torture exists throughout Class that is certain to make some viewers uncomfortable. However, these elements are part of what make this film so exceptional. Emotional abuse is dragged to the forefront of the film and viewers are forced to watch as young adults struggle with their own realities and contemplate their future in the performing arts. Each of the uncomfortable aspects of the film converge as Max introduces himself to the rest of the class, and, as viewers begin to truly understand what is taking place, the emotional agony that he faces eventually causes viewers to understand that there is more to Class than initially meets the eye. The many layers of Cellucci (who also acts as writer and director of the short film) and Ash McNair’s film all reflect the real world, and viewers are able to appreciate all that transpires throughout the film.
The drama and emotion present in Class are breathtaking. Even when a film can appeal to me emotionally I’m almost always aware of the fact that I’m watching a film and am able to separate fiction from reality. However, as Adam berates students and expresses himself in the most unique ways possible there were moments when I felt one with the story and the characters and forgot that I was watching a film. I felt uneasy, heartbroken, and disrespected as the story plays out, and that comes as a result of three things: the acting (particularly by Krumholtz), the cinematography, and the writing. The three elements marry perfectly to create an emotionally driven and riveting journey.
Krumholtz is the heart and soul of Class. I know him from comedies such as The Santa Claus and This is the End, but not from some of his more serious endeavors. I can’t speak much to what he’s done in the past for this reason, but I had expected something somewhat comical as a result of the projects that I had seen. I got something existentially funny, but genuinely real and relatable. Krumholtz becomes borderline scary as a result of his impeccable acting, and his intensity draws in viewers and tantilizes them from beginning to end. I felt connected to Adam throughout Class as he believes he is always saying the right thing in the correct manner, but his words are often received by others differently than he expects. This is a relatable quality that millions experience throughout their lives; and Krumholtz’s performance, whether intentional or not, lets those viewers know that they aren’t alone.
The writing and cinematography go hand in hand. The scenarios present in Class may not be identical to ones that viewers have experienced, but the messages are important nonetheless. Capturing the emotion of each of the actors as they struggle with their artform is essential, as the film would ultimately fail if viewers don’t find an emotional connection. Constant closeups of Krumholtz and the others help to convey those emotions and suffocate viewers, as, again, they feel like they are part of the film.
I have no complaints other than maybe that I want to see more of Krumholtz. He’s both inviting and intimidating, maybe the best juxtapositions of qualities a character can have. Class exudes emotion from the opening seconds, and while the film twists and turns, eventually becoming something quite odd and uncomfortable, the emotion remains intact throughout. I feel that I learned as much about the actors in this film as I did the unique and entertaining characters. There is so much passion present in this film, and Class is in a class of its own as a result.
Written & Directed by Enzo Cellucci & Ash McNair.
Starring David Krumholtz, Enzo Cellucci, Ash McNair, Alina Carson, Carson Higgins, Kristin Friedlander, Joseph Huffman, Amanda Centeno, & Brandan Dalton.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
