What I consider to be one of my favorite films of all time often leads to many debates with my peers and questions about my mental health. I've watched so few films in my life that have generated as much great debate as David Slade's 2005 film Hard Candy. Every time I watch it, I'm able to distance myself further. One of my favorite things to do is watch it with others. Considering the film's controversial subject matter, it is still shocking to new viewers. I did, however, find myself more interested in the side of the character they take. In my opinion, it is one of the best modern films to analyze, for its social commentary, characters and design elements. This movie resulted in countless arguments between me and almost everyone I asked to watch it. The story of a young girl who meets a much older man online before returning home alone with him is a touchy subject. It also usually plays out one way in a person's head; That’s at least before watching the movie. However, after watching, the perception of what is happening in the film and the opinions of the characters are very different from what was previously thought. Hayley isn't your typical childish damsel in distress, and Jeff isn't a charming, kind photographer either. The film does a fantastic job of taking into account your perception of not only what is supposed to be the norm in society, but also what is supposed to be the norm in a story. The first time I watched this movie I understood some of this, but not to the extent I do today. How could a film have such a division in reception that resulted in actual verbal disagreements at the end of the film? A story usually has an antagonist and a protagonist, as well as a combination of evil and innocence. This movie doesn't really let you...... middle of paper......goes against the norm. The characters and dialogue are so well constructed that it is easy for the viewer to get lost in the question of who is right and who is wrong. An emotional connection is built around characters who should not be believed or trusted. Both characters do horrible things, and yet it's easy to jump back and forth between whether or not they're likable. The spotlight helps us delve into the inner workings of their minds when there are disconnects between what they say and what they actually believe. The use of the most subtle ambient noises does more for the film than an entire soundtrack could. If there's anything to take away from Hard Candy, it's that you never really know what you're looking at from the outside. Much like the film's design elements, the characters and plot are contrary to the norm, and there's a lot more going on than meets the eye..