by Kristin Ciliberto, Contributing Writer
Based on the 2012 novel by Erin Jade Lange of the same name, Butter has been adapted to the screen, is directed by Paul A. Kaufman. This independent coming-of-age story follows a lonesome, obese junior in high school named Butter (Alex Kersting), who is a talented saxophone player. Butter struggles with bullying and self-esteem issues. He secretly becomes friends with one of the most popular and prettiest girls in school, Anna McGinn (McKaley Miller) over social media. To keep her attention, Butter pretends to be somebody he’s not, a jock from another school. He’s afraid of what she might think of him if he finds out who he really is. After all the bullying and his situation with Anna, Butter pulls a social media stunt that would put his life on the line. His stunt? He decides to eat one last meal and eat himself to death.
Kaufman’s film has both good and bad intentions. A couple of days after I watched it, I realized I really disliked it. It’s clear Kaufman presented the direct message of the meaning of acceptance and expresses bullying; however, the way it’s delivered in the film is off-key. The film has intentions to be something inspiring and uplifting, and tries to take audiences to places that are not so safe. It deals with the serious message of suicide and is able to connect with some viewers, but feels like it also insults audiences in a way.
Butter gets all the attention he could get with his newfound popular friends. No one dares to speak up to a parent, school teacher or counselor about the stunt Butter is planning. He blames himself for his issues after the first suicide attempt when the bullies try to encourage him to die. Many audiences had issues with the film Sierra Burgess is a Loser, as one of the reasons is that Sierra (Shannon Purser) came off as an unlikable character who catfished her crush due to her weight issues. This can also be said for Butter, as he should never have lied about who he was to someone. Eventually, he does pull his stunt, and the film becomes uncomfortable to watch. It can be dramatic and impactful, but it doesn’t work with the tone of the film.
Kersting delivered all he could with Butter, who comes off as an interesting character along with the rest of the cast. They are all likable to a certain degree, as Butter is able to make new friends and shares meaningful relationships with his band teacher and mentor. There are some lighthearted moments, but everything else that surrounds the film isn’t so nice. Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino delivered a sweet performance despite the fact that she gives her overweight son all of the wrong foods to eat — he’s not losing weight; he’s practically becoming anorexic just before he pulls his stunt.
The film doesn’t feel authentic with its techniques, including its editing and cinematography. The way it’s constructed comes off as a low-budget made-for-TV film. It’s problematic is and sure to upset some of its viewers. The film could have had purely innocent intentions, but in the end I with was left with an emptiness in my stomach.
Grade: C-