Dead Kids (Movie)

MovieDramasInternational MoviesThrillers
2 Min Read
Title — Dead Kids
Available on — Netflix
Production Country — Philippines, United States
Release Date — 2019
A socially awkward teen bonds with a group of misfits who plot to abduct the school's arrogant rich kid – until their kidnapping scheme turns deadly.

ðŸŠķ Story & Synopsis

Dead Kids is a Filipino thriller film directed by Mikhail Red that delves into the lives of a group of high school boys who are fed up with the torment of the school’s arrogant rich bully, Chuck Santos. The story follows a socially awkward teen who befriends a group of misfits and together they hatch a daring plan to kidnap Chuck and demand a hefty ransom from his drug lord father.

The film is praised for its superb acting by the main cast, with Filipino audiences particularly appreciating the convincing performances of the four boys who lead the plot. The pacing of the movie is noted to be well-balanced, neither rushed nor slow, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the unfolding drama.

While the cinematography and music successfully set the tone for the film, some viewers have expressed concerns about the ending and the underdeveloped characters. The main character’s decision at the conclusion left some puzzled, and the character of Sue Ramirez was criticized for being underdeveloped, particularly in her final scenes.

Despite these criticisms, Dead Kids is recommended for its intriguing storyline and the potential it shows for the future projects of the Red Brothers, the filmmakers behind the movie. The film also touches on social commentary regarding social class, although some viewers felt that this aspect could have been explored more deeply without being overly preachy.

🧑 Cast & Crew

Khalil Ramos, Vance Larena, Kelvin Miranda, Jan Silverio, Markus Paterson, Gabby Padilla, Sue Ramirez

Actor Role
Kelvin Miranda Mark Santa Maria
Vance Larena Charles Blanco
Khalil Ramos Paolo Gabriel
Jan Silverio Gideon Uy
Markus Paterson Chuck Santos
Sue Ramirez Janina Camiloza
Gabby Padilla Yssa Miranda
Ku Aquino Uncle Rody
Allan Villafuerte Manolo
Rowena Concepcion Auntie Bebe
Emmanuel Dela Cruz Theater Teacher
Juan Pablo Pineda III Moses
Jude Matthew Servilla Peter

💎 Reviews and feedback

Imagine a high school drama mixed with a heist thriller, sprinkled with teen angst, and garnished with a deadly twist. That’s the recipe for the Netflix original film “Dead Kids.” It’s like trying to blend a horror movie with a comedy – risky, but when done right, it can be a masterpiece.

The movie revolves around a socially awkward teen who finds solace in a group of misfits. Together, they hatch a plan to kidnap the school’s arrogant rich kid. However, what starts as a seemingly straightforward kidnapping scheme takes a dark turn, leading to unforeseen consequences.

Plot and Themes:

  • The plot of “Dead Kids” delves into themes of teenage rebellion, social hierarchy in schools, and the desire for quick money. It explores the complexities of friendships and the lengths people are willing to go for acceptance and wealth.

Acting and Characters:

  • The cast delivers commendable performances, bringing depth to their characters and portraying the emotional turmoil faced by teenagers navigating through societal pressures.

Direction and Cinematography:

  • Mikhail Red’s direction infuses the film with an edgy vibe that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The cinematography captures the essence of Manila, adding authenticity to the narrative.

Production Design and Special Effects:

  • The production design creates a realistic setting that immerses viewers in the world of Filipino high school students. The special effects enhance key scenes, intensifying the suspense and drama.

Score and Editing:

  • The musical score complements the tone of each scene, heightening emotions and building tension effectively. The editing maintains a brisk pace, ensuring that the storyline unfolds seamlessly.

Pace and Dialog:

  • The pacing of “Dead Kids” is well-balanced, keeping audiences engaged from start to finish. The dialogues are sharp and reflective of teenage vernacular, adding authenticity to character interactions.

Binge-watching Tips: Keep an eye out for subtle nuances in character dynamics that foreshadow pivotal moments in the plot. Pay attention to how each character’s motives drive their actions throughout the film.

Overall, “Dead Kids” offers an intriguing blend of genres that may not revolutionize cinema but certainly provides an entertaining ride. It serves as a reminder that beneath every teenager’s facade lies layers of complexity waiting to be unraveled.

Rating: 7/10

In conclusion, “Dead Kids” is like mixing different flavors of ice cream – you might not think they’ll work together at first glance, but once you take a bite (or watch), you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised by the unique taste it offers. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and immerse yourself in this Filipino thriller-drama concoction!

Pros Cons
Unique premise of amateur crime Unremarkable characters
Thrilling heist thriller-high school drama hybrid Endless iffy teen behavior
Flashy portrayal of teen angst Imbalanced serious and glib tones
Engaging plot with unexpected twists Overdone kidnapping scheme
Slick and stylish execution Lack of character depth

Feedback

  • Dead Kids (2019) - IMDb

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    • JaeBats
    • Dec 14, 2019
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    Details

    • Release date
    • Countries of origin
    • Languages
    • Also known as
      • Phi VáŧĨ Háŧc Đưáŧng
    • Production companies
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro
    • Runtime1 hour 38 minutes
    • Color

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  • Dead Kids (film) - Wikipedia

    Dead Kidsis a Filipino thriller film directed by Mikhail Red and starring Kelvin Miranda, Vance Larena, Sue Ramirez, Khalil Ramos, Jan Silverio, Gabby Padilla, and Markus Paterson.Dead Kidswas released on December 1, 2019, on Netflix.

    Dead Kids
    Directed by
    Written by Nikolas Red
    Produced by Pauline Zamora
    Starring
    • Sue Ramirez
    • Khalil Ramos
    • Markus Paterson
    • Vance Larena
    • Kelvin Miranda
    • Gabby Padilla
    • Jan Silverio
    Edited by Nikolas Red

    Productioncompanies

  • Dead Kids | Rotten Tomatoes

    Dead KidsWhere to WatchDead Kids

    Watch Dead Kids with a subscription on Netflix.

    Critics ReviewsAudience ReviewsMy RatingCast & CrewMore Like ThisPhotosDead KidsMovie Info

    • Director
    • Mikhail Red
    • Production Co
    • Netflix
    • Genre
    • Mystery & Thriller
    • Original Language
    • Filipino
    • Release Date (Streaming)
    • Dec 1, 2019
    • Runtime
    • 1h 38m

⚠ïļ Explanation (Spoiler)

In “Dead Kids,” a 2019 Filipino film directed by Mikhail Red, we follow the story of Mark, a college-bound student who is infatuated with Janina but feels overshadowed by Chuck, a wealthy classmate. Struggling with financial constraints, Mark reluctantly joins his friends Blanco, Uy, and Gabriel in a plan to kidnap Chuck for ransom from his drug lord father. The group’s lack of planning leads to a series of events that spiral out of control.

The film stands out from traditional Filipino cinema by delving into darker themes without shying away from violence and profanity. Unlike the usual romantic or dramatic narratives, “Dead Kids” offers a raw and gritty portrayal of teenage life, focusing more on revenge, kidnapping, and murder.

Despite spending ample time with the characters, the lack of a romantic subplot may leave viewers feeling less emotionally invested in their stories. Mark’s evolution from an outsider to a participant in a dangerous scheme, along with the dynamics between Uy, Gabriel, and Blanco, fails to evoke much sympathy or interest from the audience. Janina, the object of Mark’s affection, is sidelined in a predominantly male-centric narrative.

While the film delivers on its promise of vulgarity and violence, it falls short in creating compelling characters and a captivating storyline. This discrepancy in viewer expectations sets “Dead Kids” in a divisive category, where some may appreciate its departure from conventional Filipino cinema, while others may find it lacking in depth and engagement.

Overall, “Dead Kids” offers a unique viewing experience for those seeking a departure from the usual Filipino movie tropes, with a mix of crime and drama that may not appeal to all audiences.

👊 Parents Guide & Age Rating

TV-MA

Age Rating: Dead Kids movie is rated 16+ for mature audiences due to its depiction of teenage bad behavior, excessive profanity, binge-drinking, sexual content, and criminal activities.

Parental Guide: Parents should be aware that Dead Kids movie contains a high level of mature content that may not be suitable for younger viewers. The film portrays teenage cliques, bullying, peer pressure, and the wealth gap, but these themes are overshadowed by exaggerated and gratuitous depictions of bad behavior. The teenagers in the movie curse frequently, engage in binge-drinking, discuss sexual activities, and visit massage parlors for sex acts. Adult characters are portrayed as oblivious, homophobic, and involved in criminal activities. The movie’s nihilistic tone and excessive content may overwhelm any potential positive messages. While the acting is commendable, the film’s darkness and self-indulgence take precedence over the storyline. Parents should consider the mature themes and graphic content when deciding whether the movie is appropriate for their teenagers.

📚 Streaming and where to watch

streaming service extra information
Netflix Dead Kids can be watched on Netflix. It is currently available for streaming on Netflix.

❝ Quotes and Cult

  • A socially awkward teen bonds with a group of misfits who plot to abduct the schools arrogant rich kid until their kidnapping scheme turns deadly.
    IMDb
  • Dead Kids follows a group of outcast teenagers, 'Dead Kids', who conspire together to commit a kidnapping, hopeful that a large ransom for the crime will aid both their financial and social standing.
    Screen Rant
  • Once the bleak, action-heavy finale arrives, we have lost sight of — and interest in — the boys' inner struggles, left with only a flashy portrait of high school angst gone awry.
  • Mark's life is upended when he's roped into a scheme to kidnap Chuck and extort ...
    TV Tropes
  • Mark, in the spring of 2018, is college-bound, and while the girl he likes, Janina, doesn’t seem to like him as he does her, they are friends.
  • Failing to plan is like planning to fail.
    Uy
  • Dead Kids doesn’t fit that. There isn’t this weird avoidance of violence, though it maintains not being that sexual, and the amount of cursing is very unfamiliar.
  • With no romantic element, just a bunch of guys who feel like outsiders, the film doesn’t really have a good hook.
  • It didn’t meet expectations in any way I needed. Yes, the vulgarity was something else, as well as the violence.
  • Dead Kids isn’t a bad movie. Its problem is simply it doesn’t have the kind of story or characters which hook you.

ðŸĪ–Dead Kids Reddit Talks

Dead Kids is a 2019 Filipino heist thriller-high school drama hybrid film directed by Mikhail Red. The film follows a group of misfit high school students who plot to kidnap the school’s arrogant rich kid.

The film has been praised for its realistic portrayal of teenage life and its exploration of themes such as class inequality and the dangers of social media. However, it has also been criticized for its violence and its depiction of child endangerment.

Some of the topics discussed on Reddit about Dead Kids include:

  • The film’s realism: Many Redditors praised Dead Kids for its realistic portrayal of teenage life. They noted that the film’s characters and dialogue felt authentic, and that the film accurately captured the challenges and pressures of growing up in the Philippines.
  • The film’s exploration of class inequality: Dead Kids also received praise for its exploration of class inequality. Redditors noted that the film did a good job of showing the different ways that class can affect people’s lives, and that it highlighted the challenges faced by those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • The film’s violence: Dead Kids is a violent film, and some Redditors found it to be too graphic. However, other Redditors argued that the violence was necessary to convey the film’s message about the dangers of social media and the importance of protecting children.
  • The film’s depiction of child endangerment: Dead Kids depicts a group of high school students who kidnap a child. Some Redditors found this to be a disturbing and irresponsible portrayal of child endangerment. However, other Redditors argued that the film was not glorifying child endangerment, but rather showing the consequences of such actions.

Overall, Dead Kids is a complex and challenging film that has sparked a lot of discussion on Reddit. The film’s realistic portrayal of teenage life, its exploration of class inequality, and its depiction of violence have all been praised by some Redditors and criticized by others. Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy Dead Kids is a matter of personal opinion.

Top discussions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the movie Dead Kids about?

The true story behind Dead Kids involves a 19-year-old college student who was kidnapped by his peers. The student attended Colegio de San Juan de Letran, a private Catholic university in Manila. His captors marked him for a ransom of P30 million, which is the equivalent of about $600,000 USD.

What happens in Dead Kids?

A socially awkward teen bonds with a group of misfits who plot to abduct the school’s arrogant rich kid until their kidnapping scheme turns deadly.

Who are the main cast members of Dead Kids?

The main cast members of Dead Kids include: – Kelvin Miranda as Mark Santa Maria – Vance Larena as Charles Blanco – Khalil Ramos as Paolo Gabriel – Jan Silverio as Gideon Uy – Markus Paterson as Chuck Santos

Is Dead Kids based on a true story?

Yes, Dead Kids is based on the true story of a 19-year-old college student who was kidnapped by his peers. The film portrays the events surrounding the kidnapping scheme that turned deadly.

Where can I watch Dead Kids?

Dead Kids is available for streaming on Netflix. You can watch this Filipino thriller that follows the story of a group of teenagers involved in a kidnapping plot that goes awry.

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