Watch Rich Kids

Rich Kids is a coming of age film that explores the ins and outs of what life is like for the children of the city's wealthy social elite. Directed by Laura Somers, this powerhouse of a film was released in 2018 and stars Gerardo M Velasquez, Justin Rodriguez, and Michelle Magallon. The movie kicks off by introducing us to a group of high school students who are the children of wealthy parents, all of whom reside in a posh neighborhood in Los Angeles known as Beverly Hills. These teenagers are living lives filled with expensive cars, designer clothes, and a seemingly never-ending flow of cash.

However, despite all the material wealth they are surrounded by, they are also experiencing the growing pains that come with coming of age. Told from the perspective of various characters, the film delves into issues like love, family, friendship, and identity.

In particular, the story focuses on four main characters: Richie (played by Gerardo M. Velasquez), Gabe (played by Justin Rodriguez), Rylee (played by Michelle Magallon), and Tasha (played by Naïma Hebrail Kidjo). Each of these teenagers are dealing with issues ranging from parental neglect, social anxiety, and standing up to bullies.

Richie, who is one of the wealthiest in the group, is grappling with his identity as a gay man in a world that can be judgmental and harsh. The film does an excellent job of exploring the nuances of how Richie sees himself and how others view him, portraying him as someone who is both deeply sensitive and highly intelligent.

Meanwhile, Gabe, who is less privileged than his wealthy friends, is navigating life as a first-generation American. He is caught between the culture of his parents and the culture of America, which his friends seem to embody so effortlessly. His struggles to find his place in this world will resonate with viewers of all backgrounds who have ever felt out of place or uncertain in their own skin.

Rylee, a wealthy girl with a seemingly idyllic life, is struggling with the pain of her parents' divorce. She is seeking solace in a relationship with a boy from school, but finds that his intentions might not be entirely pure. Her struggles with navigating relationships and trust are a prevalent theme throughout the film.

Finally, Tasha is the outlier of the group. She is introverted, shy, and lacking in self-esteem. She is constantly subjected to bullying at school, but finds a glimmer of hope when she meets Gabe. Her transformation throughout the film is powerful, heartwarming, and one of the most rewarding parts of the story.

Overall, Rich Kids is a masterfully crafted story about the struggles of growing up wealthy in a world that can be both unforgiving and isolating. It is a film that explores universal themes such as identity, finding one's place in the world, and the trials and tribulations of relationships. Anyone who has ever felt alone or adrift in the world will find something to relate to in this film.

Rich Kids is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.