While the problems addressed by this 2012 film are important, this may not be the best film to see if you're concerned with the issue. It's told in a semi-dream-like state with cuts and some flash-back flash-forward confusion making it hard to get the characters set in your mind. A framing scene that would introduce the characters and help the audience identify who's who, right up-front would have been helpful. The subject IS important and I'm glad to see films that address these issues but it could have been SO much better. Watch O Beautiful (2002) (available on You-tube) for an example of a film that immediately understandable and deals with gay bashing. Personally, I felt that the "homeless uncle" aspects of this film just added a level of complication that the story-line didn't really need. If it was important to the film maker to include those aspects of the story, then I feel that more of the surrounding details should have been included as well. The actors here were cute enough to capture and hold my interest though I WAS confused as to who delivered the locker-room beating. I thought it was the bully brother not the gay kid himself. That was only cleared up for me in therapy.

recreation of a puzzle. about a serious social theme. good acting. and few stories. the bullying. and the self definition. frustrations, fear, mask and the fall. one of great films for the delicate and precise manner to define and remind well ignored aspects of teenagers life. its important virtue is to dig in the essence of problem in the best manner. and this is the motif for define Teens Like Phil like a manifesto. because it has the force to change the viewer. not for resurrection of memories from school period but for the nuanced portrait of teen gay. few pictures. a touch. few words. and the hate who change everything. so simple ! the film has the science to expose this simplicity in its complex, painful aspects. and this detail does Teens Like Phil a must see film.

"Teens like Phil" is an American 20-minute short movie from 3 years ago. Dominic Haxton and David Newman wrote and directed this film and the 2 lead actors are Adam Donovan and Jake Robbins. I cannot see much talent in any of the 4 judging from their work here and unless they really manage to step up their game, I cannot see great careers for them in commanding positions for any crew or cast. Gay-themed short films are really a matter of quantity over quality these days. It's hard to find an actually good work in this mass of what is offered. And this one here is actually another bad example. Sucks to see it is somewhat famous as it includes basically everything that is wrong with the genre of gay-themed short films these days. The action is unrealistic, the story is over the top dramatic and lacks authenticity and realism. It's all about shocking the audience (or making them feel good) without offering anything of real cinematic value, especially in story telling. Sadly, the acting in this one here is pretty bad too. That last monologue was downright cringeworthy. All in all, not a good film by any means. Thumbs down.

I found it hard to watch when Adam beat up poor Phil because he really took the side of being evil really. I think it was totally wrong like the kid had a lot on his plate. His uncle is homeless and living in a forest with no shelter. All he had left were photos of his lover and family pictures. The guy probably felt ashamed of his sexuality and just ran away as if he didn't exist and just rot away which is so tragically heartbreaking. I swear I was near to tears when Phil found out he passed away from starvation and nearly took his own life. I'm glad Phil found help and told the rest of the other people about experience of himself being bullied that someone he loved but brutally abused him in school. This really doesn't have to be in films like this, it's everywhere you go basically! Bullying is damaging so stand up to a person you trust and stop it! There will be a light at the end of the tunnel waiting for you :)