Realityhigh ( 2017 )

Reality High: A Deep Dive into Social Climbing and Teenage Identity

Reality High, released in 2017, is a teen comedy film directed by Fernando Lebrija. While it may initially appear as another typical high school movie about popularity and fitting in, Reality High delves into themes of social climbing, self-acceptance, and the pressures faced by teenagers in the age of social media. The film stars Daniella Perkins as Dani Barnes, a diligent and academically focused high school student who finds her life turned upside down when she catches the attention of Alexa Medina (played by Alexa Losey), the school's queen bee.

Plot Summary

Dani Barnes is a conscientious high school student with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian. She's focused on her studies, volunteering at an animal shelter, and harboring a secret crush on her childhood friend, Cameron Drake (Keith Powers). Dani's world revolves around her best friends, Freddie (Jake Borelli) and Holly (Nesta Cooper), and her academic goals. Her life is far removed from the glamorous and superficial world of Alexa Medina, the most popular girl in school known for her lavish parties, impeccable style, and massive social media following.

An unexpected encounter at a party leads to Alexa and Dani becoming friends, or at least, Alexa decides they are. Dani is quickly swept into Alexa's world, experiencing a whirlwind of parties, fashion makeovers, and the intoxicating allure of social media fame. As Dani spends more time with Alexa, she starts to neglect her studies, her friends, and even her long-held dreams. She undergoes a complete transformation, both in appearance and personality, becoming obsessed with gaining popularity and acceptance from Alexa's inner circle.

Cameron, who has always been supportive of Dani's ambitions, notices the changes in her and becomes increasingly concerned. He tries to remind her of who she was before Alexa entered her life, but Dani is too caught up in her newfound popularity to listen. Meanwhile, Alexa, who appears to be the picture of perfection, is revealed to be deeply insecure and manipulative, using her popularity to mask her own vulnerabilities. She views Dani's transformation as a reflection of her own influence and control.

The climax of the film occurs when Alexa's true colors are revealed at a large party. Dani witnesses Alexa's manipulative behavior firsthand and realizes that her pursuit of popularity has come at the cost of her own identity and integrity. She confronts Alexa and ultimately chooses to reconnect with her true friends, rediscover her passion for her studies, and pursue a genuine relationship with Cameron. The film concludes with Dani returning to her authentic self, understanding that true happiness lies in self-acceptance and genuine connections, not in the fleeting validation of social media.

Characters

The success of Reality High hinges on its characters, each representing different facets of the teenage experience:

Themes

Reality High explores several prominent themes that resonate with teenage audiences and reflect contemporary social issues:

• Social Climbing: The film vividly portrays the allure and pitfalls of social climbing. Dani's desire to be popular leads her to abandon her values and compromise her integrity. It highlights the superficiality and artificiality that often accompany the pursuit of status.
• Self-Acceptance: A central message of the film is the importance of self-acceptance. Dani's journey involves learning to embrace her true self rather than conforming to societal expectations. The film emphasizes that happiness comes from within, not from external validation.
• Social Media Influence: Reality High critiques the pervasive influence of social media on teenage lives. Alexa's obsession with her online image highlights the pressure to present a perfect facade and the potential for social media to distort reality.
• Friendship and Loyalty: The film underscores the value of genuine friendships. Dani's true friends, Freddie and Holly, remain supportive and loyal throughout her transformation, ultimately helping her to find her way back to herself.
• The Dangers of Conformity: The movie shows how trying to fit in can lead to losing oneself. Dani initially changes her personality, style and hobbies to mirror Alexa. This highlights the importance of staying true to individual identity and values.
• Superficiality vs. Authenticity: The contrast between Alexa's superficial world and the genuine connections Dani had with her original friends underscores the importance of authenticity. The film argues that true happiness comes from real relationships and meaningful experiences, not from chasing fleeting popularity.

Reception and Critical Analysis

Reality High received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the film for its relatable portrayal of teenage anxieties and its lighthearted approach to serious issues. Others criticized it for its predictable plot and stereotypical characters. However, the film resonated with its target audience, particularly teenagers who could identify with the pressures of social media and the desire to fit in.

One common criticism of the film is its reliance on familiar tropes of the teen comedy genre. The plot follows a predictable arc, with the protagonist undergoing a transformation, experiencing a fall from grace, and ultimately returning to her true self. The characters are also somewhat stereotypical, representing familiar archetypes such as the popular girl, the nerd, and the supportive best friend.

Despite these criticisms, Reality High offers a valuable commentary on the challenges faced by teenagers in the digital age. The film's portrayal of social media's influence is particularly relevant, highlighting the pressure to maintain a perfect online image and the potential for social media to fuel insecurity and comparison. The film also addresses the issue of cyberbullying, albeit in a subtle way, through the online gossip and social media drama that permeates Alexa's world.

Furthermore, Reality High can be viewed as a modern-day adaptation of classic coming-of-age stories. Like many such stories, it explores the themes of identity formation, self-discovery, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood. While the film's execution may not be groundbreaking, its message about the importance of self-acceptance and genuine connections remains timeless and universal.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Reality High plays a significant role in setting the tone and reflecting the characters' emotions. It features a mix of upbeat pop songs and emotional ballads, mirroring the ups and downs of Dani's journey. The songs often underscore the themes of popularity, self-discovery, and the importance of friendship.

Impact and Legacy

While Reality High may not be considered a cinematic masterpiece, it has had a modest impact on popular culture, particularly among its target audience. The film's themes of social media, self-acceptance, and the pressures of high school life continue to resonate with teenagers. It has also sparked discussions about the role of social media in shaping self-esteem and identity.

The film's success can be attributed, in part, to its availability on Netflix, which allowed it to reach a wide audience. Netflix's focus on producing and distributing original content has provided a platform for films like Reality High that might not have found success in traditional theatrical distribution.

Ultimately, Reality High serves as a reminder that true happiness lies not in the fleeting validation of social media or the pursuit of popularity, but in embracing one's true self and nurturing genuine connections with others. The film's message, while simple, remains relevant and important in a world increasingly dominated by social media and the pressure to conform.

Production Details

Conclusion

Reality High, despite its formulaic approach, offers a relevant commentary on the complexities of teenage life in the age of social media. By exploring themes of social climbing, self-acceptance, and the pressures of conformity, the film encourages viewers to prioritize authenticity and genuine connections over the superficial allure of popularity. While it may not break new ground in terms of cinematic innovation, Reality High serves as a reminder that true happiness lies within and that embracing one's true self is the key to navigating the challenges of adolescence.