Watch The Tribe

The Tribe is a gripping and emotional drama film directed by Roxy Shih and written by Ian Paxton. The movie stars Anne Winters as Martha, a shy and isolated high school student who is struggling to cope with a traumatic event from her past, and Jessica Rothe as Sadie, a rebellious new student who challenges Martha's way of life. Cokey Falkow plays Mr. Bickers, the school's guidance counselor who tries to help Martha and Sadie find their place in the world.

The movie takes place in a suburban high school in Southern California and follows Martha as she navigates her way through the school, trying to go unnoticed and avoiding any type of interaction with her peers. Her world is turned upside down when she meets Sadie, a fearless and outgoing new student who takes a liking to Martha and tries to include her in her group of friends. Martha is hesitant at first but soon finds herself drawn to Sadie's outgoing personality and enviable confidence. As the two girls get closer, Martha starts to open up and share her secrets with Sadie.

The Tribe explores the themes of friendship, trauma, and the search for identity. Martha's traumatic event is revealed through flashbacks, adding a layer of mystery and tension to the movie. The dynamic between Martha and Sadie is complex and multifaceted, with the two girls constantly challenging each other and forcing each other out of their comfort zones. The movie also deals with issues of social class and the divide that exists between the wealthy students and those who come from less privileged backgrounds.

One of the strongest aspects of The Tribe is the performances of the lead actresses. Anne Winters delivers a nuanced and subtle performance as Martha, conveying the character's emotional turmoil with restrained intensity. Jessica Rothe brings a magnetic energy to the role of Sadie, making her a compelling and charismatic character. The chemistry between the two actresses is palpable, making their friendship all the more believable and powerful. Cokey Falkow also shines as Mr. Bickers, providing a grounding presence amidst the teenage drama.

Visually, The Tribe is a striking movie. The cinematography is atmospheric and moody, with the high school setting providing a backdrop for some stunning visual sequences. The use of color and light is particularly effective, with scenes bathed in warm oranges and yellows contrasting with the cooler blues and greens of the night scenes. The music is also a standout aspect of the movie, with a diverse soundtrack that ranges from indie rock to electronica.

Overall, The Tribe is a powerful and affecting drama that explores the complexities of teenage relationships and the search for identity. The movie handles its heavy themes with sensitivity and nuance, never becoming too preachy or heavy-handed. The performances are excellent, the visuals are striking, and the soundtrack is memorable. The Tribe is a must-see movie for anyone interested in emotional and thought-provoking cinema.

The Tribe is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.5.