White Rabbit (2013)

**_Trying to make it through the teenage years in declining America_** A teenager in Louisiana (Nick Krause) faces the challenges of the working class, a troubled father (Sam Trammell), bullies at school and first love (Britt Robertson). Will it push him over the edge? "White Rabbit" (2013) is a dark coming-of-age drama with gritty realism and an artsy flair. It has been compared to “Donnie Darko,” but that one was sci-fi with a high school milieu whereas “White Rabbit” keeps things mundane and relatable, not to mention brooding and edgy. Besides, “Donnie” was essentially a blockbuster while this one cost $2 million. If you like Indies like "Cutback" (2010) and "Love Everlasting" (2016) or mainline flicks like "The Rage: Carrie 2,” you’ll appreciate this. The ending doesn’t wuss out and is reminiscent of the underrated “Speck” (2002). Thankfully, as dark as it is, it wisely provides a ray of light. The film runs just over 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot in outer New Orleans. GRADE: B+/A-