“Teens Like Phil” is a short film that explores a teenager’s struggle with his sexuality, homophobia, and mental health issues. The story begins with Phil, a high-achieving honor-roll student who has also been bullied for being gay. Trying to process his anguish, he delves into the writings of Alan Watts, who explores themes such as the transient nature of life and the need to remain detached.
Phil’s struggles are shown through an opening scene in which he is the victim of homophobic violence on a football field at night. His loneliness, anxiety, and depression are captured in later scenes in which he feels lost and disconnected from those around him, including his father, who ignores him, and his mother, who is concerned for his well-being and struggles to connect with him. He seeks solace in his interest in Alan Watts and in conversations with his friend Adam about identity and the fleeting nature of love. The story reaches its climax when Phil becomes the victim of a physical attack and even more horrific abuse by his classmates, in which he is stripped of his clothes, blindfolded, and harassed in the shower.
Phil’s family is shown responding in a way that many other parents can mirror. His mother is concerned for her son’s well-being and notices that he is being bullied at school. She tries to connect with him and understand what he is going through. In contrast, his father appears distant and detached from his son’s problems. This is also shown when Phil’s brother offers to give Adam a ride home, but his mother tells him not to. The film ends with Phil contemplating Alan Watts’ perspective on death and self-discovery, and struggling with a cycle of self-destruction and self-preservation.
Overall, “Teens Like Phil” offers a poignant and realistic portrayal of the complexities of adolescence, self-discovery, discrimination, and the struggle for identity. The film sheds light on the need for a support system for LGBTQ+ youth and the devastating impact of bullying and homophobia.