Synopsis
You Get Me is a psychological thriller film, released in 2017, directed by Brent Bonacorso and scripted by Ben Epstein. It features Bella Thorne, Halston Sage, Taylor John Smith, Nash Grier, and Anna Akana. Ali’s obsession with young love shifts to romantic obsession as the story progresses, exploring themes of teenage toxicity. Then, jealousy, secrets, and manipulation escalate dangerously for both sides.
The film opens in Northern California, where high school student Tyler (played by Taylor John Smith) is dating the seemingly perfect Alison, affectionally called “Ali” (Halston Sage). Tyler and Ali’s relationship is that of a typical high school couple, loving and playful filled reminisces from the past. But while at a party, Tyler experiences a shocking revelation regarding Ali’s life, that he had no prior knowledge of. Unshielded and insecure from Tyler’s opinion being manipulated, he ends up breaking up with her mid-way during the party.
As Tyler emotionally succumbs to heartache, he meets Holly (Bella Thorne) – a stunning and highly mysterious figure who at first only seems to make things worse. The two share a torrid weekend together, and for a split second it appears Holly is the one person tells Tyler that will actually understands him. However, after the weekend ends, Holly returns to her normal life only to realize the reality of her rekindled romance with Tyler’s ex girlfriend Ali.
This is the part where everything starts to go wrong.
Out of nowhere, Holly transfers to Tyler’s school, claiming to have gone fulltime. While to begin with Tyler attempts to stay clear off her, it soon becomes evident that Holly isn’t prepared to simply erase the imaginary bond she thinks they once shared. Over time, she develops this unhealthy – and incredibly dangerous – obsession with Tyler. She finds ways into his social circles, engineers scenarios in her favor, and in the end kills the Tyler we all know, manipulating him to the point of absolute destruction.
As the plot progresses, Holly’s behavior is more and more unsettling and frightening. She gets along well with Tyler’s friends, she becomes friends with his younger sister, and she even assumes a role in Ali’s life. Rather, what Tyler thought would be a simple romantic escapade quickly spirals into a surrealistic catastrophe when it includes Holly’s obsession turning into stalking, violent acts, and incessant psychological manipulation. What Tyler is witnessing borderlines the definitions of love and possession and Tyler’s fight to save people from his wrath sets off a desperate chase that spirals to securing them from a figure who relentlessly clings onto his past.
In extreme violence and intense emotional conflict, there is a deeply rooted danger—Holly’s dangerous obsession with Tyler’s family. In a world consumed by thoughts of Tyler, Ali becomes an unexpected savior. Sprouting in a titanic quest alongside his friends, Holly is bound by a race against time, where every tick of the clock risks reality shattering beyond repair. Any corner turned will redefine consequences: impulsiveness v banal reasoning and disentangle insatiable tenacity from obsession. That’s it. The film ends here, but a tightly sealed bank vault of thought lingers in the viewer’s psyche.
Cast & Crew
Director:
Brent Bonacorso- The director of short films and music videos like Bonacorso made directed his first feature film with You Get Me, where he applied his trademark stylistic enthusiasm to the genre.
Writer:
Ben Epstein – A screenwriter with experience in young adult themes and drama. He wrote You Get Me, a script that encapsulates the raw emotional instability and psychological manipulation that comes with teenage angst.
Main Cast:
Bella Thorne as Holly Viola – Thorne’s performance encapsulates the dual vulnerability and menace woven into the character, making Holly a dangerously obsessive love that showcases Thorne’s brilliance as an actor.
Taylor John Smith as Tyler Hanson – The boy who becomes a victim due to his moment of weakness. His internal battle with anxiety and fear shapes the narrative tension of the film.
Halston Sage as Ali – Tyler’s girlfriend and the character who’s decidedly troubled past ignites the initial conflict of the story. Sage gives Ali a distinct warmth and strength that serves as a counterbalance to Holly’s volatility.
Grier Nash as Gil – Tyler’s best friend who finds himself drawn into Holly’s manipulations.
Anna Akana as Lydia – One of Ali’s friends who plays a significant role in Holly’s downfall.
Producers:
Brian Robbins
Matt Kaplan
The film, aimed at a teenage audience, was produced by Awesomeness Films and was released on Netflix in 2017.
Themes & Style
You Get Me is a blend of a thriller with a teenage drama. The film was influenced by Fatal Attraction, Swimfan, and Obsessed. The movie showcases the themes of vulnerability, impulsivity, and emotional repercussions. It represents the complexities that come with teenage love—how crushes often lead to chaos, and how one impulsive choice can lead to an uncontrollable downward spiral.
The image of the film is glossy and polished as the exterior is shot in the sun and the fishing is done in a sleek manner. This completely contrasts the story that gets darker as the film progresses. The idyllic view of California is a contradictory snippet to the disturbing behavior showcased, and increases the tension. The film is also aided with suspenseful music, dreamy sequences, moody lighting and standard teen cinematography elevated to stylized thriller movie standards which, along with the California setting, propels the film from being ordinary to something greater.
A highlight of the film is the performance by Bella Thorne. With her skill set she manages one of the most complex character in the movie. The character of Holly in the film is at times seductive and sweet, and other times frightening and unpredictable. Her on-screen presence is both sympathetic and terrifying, making the audience unsure about her next move.
Critical Reception
You Get Me received a mixed-to-negative reception. Since the film was digitally released, it did not garner much attention from significant critics and was subsequently only reviewed by the general public. Audience reception was divided; some appreciated the film’s shocking moments and Thorne’s performance while others felt the film’s overreliance on clichés made it predictable.
The lack of depth given to the characters alongside the ludicrous developments led to You Get Me being unfavorably compared to other thrillers. Fans of teenage drama and psychological thrillers, however, found the film captivating because of the fast pace, plot-driven suspense, and tension.
Conclusion
You Get Me showcases the consequences of reckless choices and obsession through the lens of a sleek, contemporary psychological thriller targeted at teenagers. It explores themes of obsession and the consequences of impulsive decisions in a modern light. While the film does not reshape the genre, it successfully weaves in suspense, drama, and emotional intensity cased in a youthful spirit.
The film is engaging for viewers wanting a youthful dramatic thriller because of the strong performances, especially from Bella Thorne, and a storyline that plays into fears of emotional vulnerability and toxic love. While it is highly doubtful that the film will garner any accolades, You Get Me remains relevant within its niche teenage psychological thriller audience.
Watch free movies on Fmovies