Bad Kids of Crestview Academy: Redefining Detention

You know, growing up in Sweden, detention was just a mythical thing we saw in American movies. So when I heard about “Bad Kids of Crestview Academy,” directed by the spirited Ben Browder, I was whisked back to those teenage fantasies of rebellious school antics. It’s like being in an Amerikansk high school again! And, let me tell you, this film is a wild ride, capturing both the thrill and chaos of being trapped in a school with some baaad kids.

The movie kicks off with a bang—literally. Picture this: a group of delinquent students stuck in detention, complete with sinister mysteries and over-the-top antics. Sounds like a typical Friday, right? And just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the film throws another curveball, like all good whodunits should. Sammi Hanratty shines as Siouxsie Hess, which is surprising since she’s usually seen in lighter roles. And oh, Robert Rodriguez! Did you just create a DoP love letter or what?

Now, I’ve gotta admit, the aesthetic is a mixed bag. It’s a bit like mixing köttbullar with haggis, interesting but sometimes confusing. The gritty visuals, sometimes too much, clash with the film’s tongue-in-cheek tone. But maybe that’s the point? The blending of horror and comedy feels intentionally disorienting, a bit like a midnight trek through Slussen before the renovation.

I remember skipping school once—don’t tell my mamma—to catch a film festival in Stockholm. The adrenaline of being somewhere you shouldn’t be? “Bad Kids” nails that feeling. And underneath the surface, isn’t it a reflection of how society often underestimates the young rebels in all of us?

If you’re in the mood for offbeat humor with a twist of mystery, then haga på dig your favorite hoodie and dive into the madness of Crestview Academy. Just remember the fire extinguisher. You might need it.

Check the trailer below