Adapted from the 2004 novel Project X by Jim Shepard,[1] it is directed by Vincent Grashaw and stars Melanie Lynskey, Justin Long, Arman Darbo, and Sawyer Barth.

Edwin's parents, his father in particular, generally dismiss every remark he makes as petty teenage angst, and only start showing concern when the vice principal of the school invites them for a meeting.

That morning, he wishes his father good luck on his lecture and receives a reminder from his mother about the lake trip.

Edwin mentions remembering clearly the joyful expression of the child passenger, while thinking in a paternal manner: "Good for you, kid.

[7] The film received almost unanimous acclaim, with Justin Lowe of The Hollywood Reporter believing it to be "A disturbing drama of teen disaffection," further stating: "Vincent Grashaw's feature provides an essential and insightful perspective that will resonate with audiences attuned to the challenges of adolescence.

That such difficulties can lead, increasingly, to equally real tragic ends should give any parent or educator pause.

We may not be able to stop school shootings once and for all, but recognizing that each one is unique, and likely the product of something far more commonplace than mental illness, might be a place to start.

"[9] Entertainment Weekly gave the film a 'B+' rating, with Leah Greenblatt commenting, "What Grashaw does remarkably well, in the movie's harrowing final minutes, is put us entirely inside Edwin's head; not as a sociopath or a killer, just a boy in a world of pain.

"[10] In his review for IndieWire, Michael Nordine stated, "We need to talk about this disturbing coming-of-age drama," calling it "an intimate, sympathetic character study.

"[11] Bob Strauss of the Los Angeles Daily News felt the film was "a deep, lived-in study of bullied middle school kids who plan to solve their problems in the worst possible way.