Parents' Guide to Blame

This is an authentic debut from a young female filmmaker who clearly understands the compelling nature of adolescent angst and instability. Shephard does a fine job playing fragile Abigail, who immerses herself in whatever fictional character she's currently into -- in this case, The Crucible's vindictive, lying Abigail Williams, who's obsessed with John Proctor (or, in real life, her drama teacher). Abigail and Jeremy's taboo attraction is obviously cringe-worthy, but it's Melissa's story that will ultimately horrify parents and resonate with teens.

Melissa's narrative is reminiscent of Catherine Hardwicke's film Thirteen (with even less parental involvement or support). It's heartbreaking and utterly realistic. Melissa is not a likable character, but Alexander should be commended for her humanizing performance. It's easy to want Melissa to get her well-earned comeuppance, but her situation is more complicated than that. Yes, she's flawed and hateful, but there's a reason for her misplaced anger and jealousy. By the end, she manages to elicit compassion from viewers, even if no one would want her (and all her drama) in their (or worse, their child's) life. That lingering gaze between the two girls in Blame's final scene is a powerful reminder that without barriers, without cruelty, we all have more in common than we care to admit.