The opening scene immediately imparts the tone of the film, pointedly satirizing conservative sociopolitical values and jarring the viewer with a spray of blood. While the high school setting of the feature lends it a certain awkward air some viewers may not take a liking to, 'Chastity bites' is consistently smart and entertaining on its level.
The film is less of a bloody romp than it is a snappy mystery laden with teenage drama, but it's aptly fun and engaging. The fast pace of the narrative flow can be waved off with consideration that it's clearly geared toward a young audience, a bent echoed in the soundtrack and dialogue. Despite that youthful glow, solid film-making should mark the movie enjoyable for most.
The cast, above all, is really great. Allison Scagliotti is sharp and endearing as protagonist Leah, a forward-thinking leftist student journalist who alone is deeply skeptical of the activities at her school. Young Scagliotti has proven herself time and again in roles comedic, action-oriented, and dynamic, and she portrays Leah's determination and wit with the practiced skill of a great talent. Prominent opposite her starring role is Louise Griffiths as antagonist Liz Batho, bearing a cold, dark, but entrancing poise befitting such a calculating (fictionalized) historical figure. Yet the supporting cast, in considerably smaller roles, are just as swell, including Francia Raisa as Leah's best friend Katharine, and Eddy Rioseco as love interest Paul. Even Diana Chiritescu, given few speaking lines as Batho's servant Ilona, is pretty outstanding, and Amy Okuda brings the same spark of derisive smarm to high school queen bee Ashley, here, as she gave Tinkerballa in Felicia Day's ground-breaking web series, 'The guild.'
Costume design, wardrobe, hair and makeup, filming locations, set design and decoration, and art direction are far greater than we would usually expect from a film of this tenor. Even for as little as fight choreography plays into the production, it's highly enjoyable; likewise for special effects. Somewhat stereotypical as the soundtrack is for a movies aimed at younger audiences, it's still a small treat for our ears.
While the direction isn't particularly remarkable, the writing is thoughtful and intelligent. From jabbing at rightwing nonsense to playfully intoning progressive ideals; from catty teen sniping to cheeky one-liners and friendly cajoling - the dialogue is keen and entertaining. The narrative, if uncomplicated, is written well - coherent, engrossing, and whole. There's not a great deal of depth to most of the characters, but the assembled cast inhabits their roles so capably, and believably, as to inject more personality than we're led to think they had on paper.
Truthfully, I had low expectations going in; I gather a sense that 'Chastity bites' hasn't been well-received in the grand scheme of things. But I should know better by now - I've seen enough movies dismissed by others, that I've greatly enjoyed, that counting out a feature before I see it for myself is a mistake. I think this is really well made, and simply fun.
I won't pretend it's perfect, because it's not. Admittedly the premise portends more visceral content than what we actually get. Any viewer who isn't receptive to more lighthearted, feel-good fare should probably look elsewhere. Yet the film, as it is, doesn't ever actually pretend to be anything it's not. If a little cheesy, 'Chastity bites' is a solidly crafted picture, and worth watching if you come across it.
