Writer-director Jacob Aaron Estes makes his feature debut with this perceptive small town drama. Thirteen-year-old Sam (Rory Culkin) fiddles with a camcorder belonging to overweight High School bully George (Josh Peck) and gets a beating. Sam's older brother Rocky devises a plan to humiliate George in revenge, but things get out of hand.
The Plan
Rocky pretends it is Sam's birthday and invites George along on a river trip to celebrate. In reality they intend to strip George and leave him in the middle of nowhere. Accompanying Rocky and Sam are tough kid Marty (Scott Mechlowicz), who has problems at home and is regarded as being trouble by the adults in the town. Clyde (Ryan Kelley) is quiet and sensitive, but is mocked by the others for having a gay dad. Millie (Carly Schroeder) is Sam’s potential girlfriend, and is easily the most sensible of the group.
Truth or Dare
George does not behave as they expect. Sam receives an expensive present. George explains he suffers from learning difficulties and has problems relating to others. He seems genuinely happy to have been invited on the trip. He tells funny stories. The other kids begin to like him, although there are moments when his lack of empathy shows through. Millie wants to call it off and persuades Sam to talk to his brother. Rocky agrees, but Marty refuses. A game of Truth or Dare (kids, never play this game, it always ends in tears) gets heated, leading George and Marty into a confrontation.
Peer Pressure
Mean Creek is remarkable for the compassion shown to all involved, even those who lash out, or bully. George's outrage at his camcorder being touched goes deeper than a child protecting his property. For him it represents his only way of connecting with the world. He makes video diaries explaining his thoughts to camera and trying to understand his illness.
The domineering Marty is from the wrong side of the tracks and his prospects don't look good. The other kids are middle-class and heading for college. Marty is the real outsider amongst his group of friends, for as much as he is their natural leader now, it is unlikely they will remain friends beyond adolescence.
The Natural World
Cinematographer Sharone Mier makes stunning use of natural light. Estes repeatedly contrasts scenes of idyllic beauty with the complexity of human behaviour. Behind the serene shots of running water and river life, murky underwater images act like a portend of impending doom. The river trip begins in glorious sunshine, but as soon as tragedy strikes, it gets darker as if nature is withdrawing its warmth. While Mean Creek follows the pattern established by other coming-of-age dramas; the loss of innocence through an experience that leaves an indelible impression on those involved, there is a sense of sorrow present that is made tangible by Estes and his young cast.
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