IMDb 6.9 2012 HD

Teens Like Phil

Teens Like Phil

2012
Drama Romance
20 min NR USA
5.5 / 10
6.9 IMDB

Inspired by the alarming increase in real-life tragedies involving high school bullying and suicide, Teens Like Phil tells the story of a gay teen, Phil, and his former…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Dominic Haxton / Cherise Pascual / David Rosler
Starring
Adam Donovan / Jake Robbins / Virginia Bartholomew / Ken Burmeister / Margie Ferris / Bart Shatto / Kelly Walters / Collin Leydon

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

heavy impactful realistic disturbing thought-provoking raw intense somber brave serious emotional

Reviews

G
Genevieve Dubois
Apr 25, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

In 'Teens Like Phil,' the filmmakers have chosen to confront a difficult truth about adolescent life. The central performances are key to the film's impact, effectively conveying the pain and aggression at its core. The tone is consistently…

A
Arthur Finch
Apr 25, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

The intentions behind 'Teens Like Phil' are undoubtedly noble, aiming to shed light on the pervasive issue of schoolyard bullying. The performances are earnest, though at times they struggle to elevate the material beyond its inherent bleakness. The…

I
Isobel Croft
Apr 25, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A brave and necessary film, 'Teens Like Phil' tackles the harrowing subject of bullying with a maturity that belies its premise. The performances are the backbone here, with Adam Donovan and Jake Robbins delivering nuanced portrayals that avoid…

M
Marcus Thorne
Apr 25, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

Directorially, 'Teens Like Phil' opts for a direct, almost documentary-like approach, which serves the film's serious intent well. The performances by the young cast are commendable, capturing the volatile dynamics of high school relationships with a disquieting authenticity.…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 25, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This is a film that doesn't shy away from the ugliness of adolescence. 'Teens Like Phil' is a stark, unflinching portrayal of bullying's corrosive effects, driven by a palpable tension between its central characters. The performances, particularly from…

FAQs

While 'Teens Like Phil' confronts the grim realities of bullying and its potential for tragedy, the film's ultimate message is often interpreted through its willingness to bring these issues to light. By depicting the struggle and its origins, it implicitly calls for empathy, understanding, and a societal shift towards addressing the root causes of such behaviour. The act of storytelling itself can be seen as a form of catharsis and a step towards fostering change.