Butter
By Monica Eva Foster
Watch Butter here.
In an attempt to end being bullied at school, obese social outcast, Butter (Alex Kersting) creates a website announcing plans to eat himself to death on New Year’s Eve. His invitation for all to witness his demise brings about unexpected reactions from those who torment him most. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Erin Jade Lange, Paul A. Kaufman’s film Butter showcases contemporary bullying, amplified via internet and social media. Filled with darkly comedic moments, the film serves up a deeply thoughtful conversation around teen suicide, mental illness, and bullying.
After a particularly humiliating day at school and reading hateful comments posted about him on the local social media platform, Butter launches buttersfinalmeal.com. The site invites his bullies to watch as he eats his final meal, one that will kill him. Instead of increased ridicule, Butter experiences the opposite. Suddenly, the “in” crowd wants to befriend Butter. Parker (Jack Griffo) and Trent (Aidin Bradley) invite Butter to join them at the cool kids table during lunch the day after the site’s launch. Even Anna (McKaley Miller), the most beautiful girl in school, warms up to and forms a friendship with Butter. Unaware that Butter is in fact JP (Anna’s online jock boyfriend from a private school whom she hasn’t met) the story builds to the big reveal as it inches toward New Year’s Eve. Mystifyingly, Butter’s unpopularity transforms overnight to being the center of attention and what feels like admiration. This turn of events confuses Butter. If he enjoys it too much, how can he fulfill his plan?
Butter’s family doesn’t help his mental state either. His mother (Mira Sorvino) continues to cook him mounds of unhealthy, sugary foods all in the name of love while his father (Brian Van Holt) looks on with a disapproving eye. Both characters, however, are given ample opportunity to overcome their personal shortcomings, and satisfyingly do so.
Butter’s constant allies are found in Doctor Bean (Ravi Patel) and Professor Dunn (Mykelti Williamson). Adding a delightful dose of comedy, Patel’s Doctor Bean has some of the film’s funniest dialogue. Played with high energy and a smile, he brightens the screen as he cheers Butter on with every visit. Professor Dunn continues to encourage Butter’s saxophone skills. His quiet confidence aligns with the viewer’s wish for Butter to overcome and succeed the trials at hand.
Throughout the story, moral lessons can be found between the dichotomy of tragic and sweet moments; from witnessing the heart wrenching impact of the moment Butter got his nickname to watching Parker’s and Trent’s initial curiosity morph into sincere friendship with Butter. While rooting for Butter, the audience witnesses the scarring impact of bullying and the transformational power of self-awareness, kindness, and friendship.
Watch Butter here.