Watch Camp

Camp is a 2013 independent film directed by Jacob Roebuck that tells the story of Eli, a young boy who, after losing his mother, is sent to a summer camp by his father in hopes of getting him out of his shell. The film stars Miles Elliot as Eli, Betsy Roth as the camp director, and Josh Berry as one of the camp counselors. Upon arriving at the camp, Eli quickly becomes the target of bullying by a group of older boys. However, he finds solace in his love for music and his ability to play the guitar. With the help of his counselor, David (played by Berry), Eli is able to come out of his shell and make some friends. Together, the group of campers puts on a talent show that not only helps Eli find his voice, but brings the entire camp together.

Throughout the film, we see Eli struggle with his grief and the possibility of his father moving on and starting a new family. He also grapples with the fear of being rejected by others, but learns that he is worthy of love and friendship just the way he is.

What sets Camp apart from other coming-of-age stories is its emphasis on the power of music to bring people together. Nearly every scene is accompanied by a guitar riff or a campfire singalong, creating a sense of warmth and community that is rare in today's films. Additionally, the performances by the young actors are outstanding, particularly Miles Elliot as Eli. His portrayal of a grieving child is both heart-wrenching and nuanced. Betsy Roth as the camp director is also standout, providing a fair balance of authority and compassion.

The film's pacing can feel a bit slow at times, but ultimately it allows for the audience to fully immerse themselves in the world of the camp and its characters. The cinematography is stunning and captures the natural beauty of the campgrounds. Roebuck's direction is subtle yet effective, allowing the characters and their journeys to take center stage.

Aside from the music, there are some small twists and turns throughout the plot that keep the story engaging. However, it is the relationships between the campers and the life lessons they learn that truly make this film a standout. The message of Camp is simple yet timeless: it's okay to be yourself, even if that means being a little bit different.

Overall, Camp is an uplifting and heartwarming film that is sure to leave audiences feeling inspired. Its emphasis on the power of creativity and community make it a must-watch for anyone who has ever felt alone or misunderstood. While it may not be a blockbuster hit, it is a gem of a movie that deserves more recognition.

Camp is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.