Neil McCormick and Brian Lackey of Mysterious Skin: Neil, a soulless teenage hustler + Brian, an introverted and coddled 18-year-old + alien abductions + repressed dark memories = a raw, graphic and seriously depressing and disturbing film with intense performances by its lead actors Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Brick) and Brady Corbet (Thirteen).
Dawn Wiener of Welcome to the Dollhouse: Dawn, an unattractive, awkward and certified 7th grade loser + an adorable little sister + absent-minded parents + unrequited love for a cool guitar player + the "Special People Club" = a quotable, coming of age, dark comedy that makes you cower at the thought of middle school.
Duncan Mudge of The Mudge Boy: Duncan, a quiet, sheltered farm boy + his unusual desire to mimic his dead mother + an unlikely friendship with a tough, neighborhood boy + a question of sexuality = a poignant film featuring a stunning performance by Emile Hirsch in the title role.
Dean Stiffle of The Chumscrubber: Dean, a miserable teen in touch with reality + a collection of oblivious, self-absorbed parents + three teens on the hunt for "feel good pills" + one botched kidnapping + a wedding and a funeral = a dark comedic, social commentary on the imperfections of a seemingly ideal life in the American suburbs.
