Overview: In a near-future Florida where gun control has been abolished, the state’s ambitious governor (Oscar Nuñez, The Office) introduces a chilling solution to school shootings: a state-wide, televised fight-to-the-death competition known as The School Duel.

Sammy, a troubled 13-year-old, secretly enlists against his mother’s wishes - seduced by promises of purpose, patriotism, and notoriety. But as the deadly spectacle unfolds, that dream begins to crumble.

The debut feature from director Todd Wiseman Jr., The School Duel is a provocative dystopian thriller about fear, manipulation, and one of the most brazenly political genre films in recent memory.

Blu-ray Verdict: This dystopian film is sent in the near future. It illustrates a burgeoning Christo-fascist state of Florida where prayer (of only one religion - guess which one) and nationalism are rampant in public schools. School shootings are at an all-time high because all forms of gun control are now outlawed.

Florida introduces The School Duel for boys as a means to curb school violence by eliminating the children believed to be the problems in the system. It’s packaged as an honor to be selected, and the winner will go on to glory (think Battle Royal or The Hunger Games with a hint of Lord of the Flies) But like most endeavors bound in corruption, not all is as it seems.

The film’s star, Kue Lawrence brings an intense performance that plays the heartstrings like a finely tuned instrument. Jamad Mays brings us a sympathetic coach who was initially part of the problem, but he stares into the abyss when he sees the stark reality of the world he plays a role in. Zander Gikas makes us question our perceptions of vulnerability and trust.

This movie is social satire at its most savage, but it’s also a warning. Art should imitate life, but in this case, on our current trajectory, life could very easily imitate art. And there will be no happy endings for anyone. [W.C.]

BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS:
Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
Interview with Director Todd Wiseman Jr.
Short Film: Six Stars
Original Theatrical Trailer
Other Trailers
English Language 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, & French
Region-A Locked

The School Duel - Official Trailer

Official Purchase Link

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