If you are a fan of the darker indie genre, then you may really enjoy Chumscrubber, a film I recently discovered myself. Chumscrubber was released in August of 2005, and features a few well known names, such as William Fichnter and Ralph Fiennes. If I had to compare it with another movie, I'd say it can draw a decent comparison to Donnie Darko.

Chumscrubber is a movie with some darker undertones of denial and dejection. The story revolves around social outcast Dean, an intelligent but reclusive teen who shuns attention at high school. Dean is forced out of his shell when his only friend commits suicide and must come to grips with himself and the reality of his friends death.

Jamie Bell is great as the detached slacker Dean. Bell manages to give a hostile and taciturn performance, but yet somehow remains human enough to us that we can empathize with his character. Justin Chatwin really brings the tormented and unstable Billy to life. The entire cast delivers here, especially Ralph Fiennes, who is quietly and comically absurd throughout.

Chumscrubber takes the mundane gloss of suburban life and turns it upside down, revealing all the unhappy little lives behind those closed doors. It is also a movie about transformation, with some of these characters breaking free from their torment, while others only sink further into it.

For a funny, thought provoking film, definitely give Chumscrubber a try.

P.S.

Speaking of Donnie Darko, I've heard they're making a sequel called S. Darko about Donnie's sister. I want to be excited, but I'm also worried. If anybody else has seen Donnie Darko, what do you think?