The Misguided - Cast4 - Caleb Galati and Jasmine Nibali
Good drama comes from good conflict and nothing breeds proper conflict like the feeling of betrayal, especially if it’s coming from someone close. In the film “The Misguided”, a university dropout begins a romance with his brother’s ex-girlfriend. Things get complicated when consequences force decisions and loyalties to be tested; causing betrayal and mistrust to erupt. I appreciate the focus on a simplistic relationship angle rather than escalating things into something direr; like how most films go with this subject.
Levi and Wendell by far have the most engaging relationships in the film. Their conversations and attitudes towards one another are crass, but hold a gritty sense of realism that I appreciated and enjoyed. I admired the creative use of music and camera work (especially during the intro), and the beautiful shot of a couple in front of a glittering, faded city in the background. However, Levi’s relationship with the ex-girlfriend felt weak and lackluster for the primary distracting relationship. Their chemistry never felt as strong or meaningful, nothing felt like it was clicking except at the bare minimum of the surface appearance of the couple.
The dialog relies a bit too heavily on gratuitous swearing. It’s utilized so much there’s hardly a single sentence or statement that doesn’t have the F-bomb tagged onto it. Overall, “The Misguided” executes its overall effect half of the time, the other half it misfires or tends to come off as less than authentic. Well, utilized camera work and music keep the film from falling too deeply into the substandard fare.
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJ751iq1Ka4″]
Movie Rating: 4 stars.
Movie Rating Guide
1 Star = Unwatchable
2 Stars = Cannot Recommend
3 Stars = Great for the Fans
4 Stars = A Solid Movie
5 Stars = Must Own (DVD/Stream Download)
Featured Image Credit: Shannon Alexander.
Social Links:
IMDB: Shannon Alexander
IMDB: The Misguided
About Author
