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Distortion: A Social Media Story

 (42)
1 h 27 min201613+
How does social media affect youth culture? In this gripping tale about the different ways we interact with one another digitally, a group of high school students discover how social media affects their friendships, relationships, and almost every aspect of their lives. How disconnected from reality have we become? Things are not always as they seem...
Directors
Javier Espinoza
Starring
Sean HefnerLaura MackenzieEvan Stechauner
Genres
ArthouseDrama
Subtitles
English [CC]
Audio languages
English
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Studio
Dot Five Films
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Format
Prime Video (streaming online video)
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Reviews

3.5 out of 5 stars

42 global ratings

  1. 37% of reviews have 5 stars
  2. 19% of reviews have 4 stars
  3. 15% of reviews have 3 stars
  4. 14% of reviews have 2 stars
  5. 15% of reviews have 1 stars
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Top reviews from the United States

Kira S.Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2021
2.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing
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I've watched a number of films about the effect of modern technology, particularly cell phones, on teens. This one was poorly made, using mostly non-actors who spoke their dialogue as if they were reading from cue cards. The "narrator" was ridiculous and out of place. If you want to share a movie about the effects of social media with your preteen or teen, there are many, many better films to choose. Give this one a pass. The only reason I gave it any stars at all is that it did at least try to deal with the issue. It just wasn't very well done.
Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United States on May 10, 2017
4.0 out of 5 stars
Anything that makes you think is worth a watch. This movie succeeds perfectly at accomplishing that goal.
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The movie is really good. I love how down to earth the production is with outstanding writing as the backbone. The actors don't overly dramatize their roles unnessarily, but instead play their parts like real people. They're not "acting" roles out for the sake of entertainment but are living their lives as done now in every day encounters more prevalent through social media. The awkwardness found in the face to face interactions show what social media has done to a generation. Breaking the fourth wall is a good strategy to show the difference between the screen as a divider and, instead, using it as a way to reach and speak to the audience. It took someone being brave enough to break that fourth wall for viewers of the movie and for fellow characters to break down their walls within the story. Everything has become so cliché in the real world that using this tactic as an instrument in the movie is a force of change and catalyst to communicate an overall positive message. I found myself picking up my phone at first during the movie (as I usually do without even noticing what I'm doing), and felt more challenged as the movie went along to not pick it up because distraction is the root to not truly understanding vital connections as a social species. As I did this, the characters did the same and were able to speak honestly to each other and themselves. This isn't just a movie. It's an interactive experience I'd recommend to anyone looking for a way to navigate through life without a search box. Nice work!
One person found this helpful
Cliff YatesReviewed in the United States on April 13, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well done and so relevant to what everyone is experiencing with social media
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Bravo to Javier Espinoza and the entire cast and crew. I was drawn in by the story which is so relevant today. As a filmmaker and actor myself, I was very impressed with how the film was shot. So much work went into this film, which will not be noticed by the casual viewer because it flows so well. I am quite a bit older than most in this film, but as someone who uses social media to connect with family and friends, as well as promote my creative life, I related to it. Very well done, I am looking forward to seeing more work from Javier.​
Janet McIntoshReviewed in the United States on May 8, 2017
3.0 out of 5 stars
Distortion: A Social Media Story, an important movie
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The movie follows a subset of high school students who are quick to share their lives on social media. At a time in life when a handful of teens are the most fragile, social media proves to be isolating. Instead of visiting a friend that hasn't been out of the house for days a friend just keeps texting her. I applaud Javier Espinoza for this movie that goes against the norms of how social media affects our lives. Every family should watch this movie and have a discussion.
Every high school classroom should watch this movie and have an open conversation about how social media as affected their lifes. Distortion: A Social Media Story opens up an important conversation. Social media is changing who we are as humans and how we relate to the world.
Jeff J. OrgillReviewed in the United States on March 28, 2017
4.0 out of 5 stars
Troubled Teens Unmasked
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A darkly dramatic story set in the teen/high school milieu dealing with the struggle of coming to terms with social media, love, popularity, friendship and just about every issue a modern teen might come up against. It's a very timely theme and I commend Director Espinoza and his filmmaking team for tackling it.
M. DanielReviewed in the United States on March 20, 2017
4.0 out of 5 stars
A noteworthy commentary on modern life.
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Acting was a little stiff, but all in all, a noble portrayal of millenial life. I liked the instrumental parts. Some scenes were a little too long and drawn out, but the camerawork was excellent. I didn't like the first person commentary. The scenes without dialog were impactful and well thought out. With a little more refining this could be a five star work. Interesting subject matter anyone can enjoy.
Paul PavaoReviewed in the United States on April 6, 2017
4.0 out of 5 stars
Well-written & loved the structure.
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A moving story, with a great commentary on current social media trends. So much of this was relatable. The characters felt real, and the circumstances were too close to life for comfort. Definitely one to watch and make you think. Glad for the chance to watch this.
HarasssaraHReviewed in the United States on March 26, 2021
1.0 out of 5 stars
Like those movies they show you in school that make you laugh cause they are so bad
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Really not trying to be mean but this day in age I feel like the youth expects more from films like this...it's obviously targeted at teenagers but it was poorly filmed, poorly acted, and unrealistic...felt like a bad educational film by someone who is just not in touch...
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