RKS Film: “Drinkwater”: Intelligent Teen Angst

Yes we have seen countless teen angst films such as “Rebel Without a Cause”, “Breakfast Club”, “Acid Test” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”. There may be a fine line between vapid teenploitation films and intelligent teen angst films.

“Drinkwater” falls into the intelligent teen angst genre. So expect some of usual plot lines;

• Conflict with parents
• High school romance
• Bullying
• Being in the in-crowd
• Bumbling school bureaucrats
• Surviving and learning from adversity
• Self doubt
• Ignored and misunderstood by parents

“Drinkwater” contains the essential elements of teen angst but what sets it apart is the maturity that conflict can generate. Most of the characters learn from their conflicts. The film also explores opposite sex obsession versus a relationship based on a real relationship as opposed to a fantasy.

There is also a boatload of Canadian rock many viewers will be too young to remember or if of the age of 1980’s Canadian rock but not Canadian. Bachman Turner Overdrive, Lover Boy, Trooper and April Wine propel the film with inspiration as opposed to pure nostalgia. Oh if only Carol Pope’s “High School Confidential” had been included!  

Shot in beautiful Penticton which is located between Okanagan and Skaha Lakes and gateway to British Columbia Okanagan wine country. There are some beautiful shots of vineyards to boot.

The acting is solid throughout with an unrecognizable Eric McCormack as a self-absorbed insurance fraudster. Daniel Doheny as one of the teens is possessed with great acting potential with un unflappable delivery infused and oozing with charm. His wannabe girlfriend played by Louriza Franco delivers a low-key performance with occasional explosive edges.

As teen angst films go quite frankly in a Canadian way this just may be an answer to “Ferris Buellers Day Off”. It has made a limited Canadian theatrical run but it deserves international exposure.

You can see the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO1bcDym2oo

RKS Film Rating 89/100.