Title: Slash
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Director: Clay Liford
Starring: Hannah Marks, Michael Johnston, Michael Ian Black
Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins

What It Is: Young Neil (Johnston) is a curious young man exploring the world around him. One way in particular that he expresses this is through slash fiction. This is the art of fan fiction, in his case Neil writes about the fictional character Vanguard. When a classmate steals his notebook, which contains some of his writings. When they get brought up in class they strike the fancy of weird girl Julia (Marks) who herself writes slash. These two form a bond based on that mutual like. As they attend a con with hopes of getting to read their slash circumstances, of course, get in the way.

What We Think: What a great film! Not only does it tell a story of a young person exploring their sexuality in a mature way, but it is also fun. There are some jokes that hit because they’re earned. Our characters feel and react with honesty. Every action feels authentic. Michael Johnston is really good and Hannah Marks is great! It’s more emotional than it would have you believe, especially when you consider the subject matter.

Our Grade: A-, A very underrated film for 2016 and one I’ll be recommending to anyone who asks for something they may have missed that they should check out. Before I forget I’d like to mention the good work done by director Clay Liford. He never over directs and really keeps the film feeling, like its protagonists, young. An interesting and fresh premise feels wholly awesome in a year full of remakes, sequels, and prequels. I’ll take that any day but especially in a year like this. See it as soon as you can! Which there should be no excuse for since it is currently available on VOD!