Watch Life at These Speeds

Life at These Speeds is a 2017 drama film directed by Leif Tilden and starring Graham Rogers, Tim Roth, and Stefanie Scott. The movie explores the life of a teenager named Kevin (Graham Rogers) who has just lost his best friend in a tragic accident. The incident has left him traumatized and struggling to come to terms with his grief. In order to cope with his emotions, Kevin turns to running as a means of escape.

The film begins with Kevin running on a treadmill in a juvenile detention center. He is in the middle of serving a sentence for a crime that he does not reveal until later in the film. During this time, Kevin's therapist encourages him to write about his experiences and feelings as a way of dealing with his emotions. Kevin decides to document his life through the lens of his running journals, which track his miles, his thoughts, and his experiences.

Through flashbacks, we are transported to before the accident and able to see Kevin's life before the tragic event. Kevin comes from a close-knit family with a supportive mother and father (played by Tim Roth and Liana Liberato). We see his friendship with his best friend, the beautiful and charismatic Samantha (Stefanie Scott). They are both runners and are shown training and competing together. Kevin has feelings for Samantha, but she does not feel the same way about him.

However, their lives take a tragic turn when a graduation party ends in a fatal car accident that kills Samantha. Kevin is left with survivor's guilt and begins to self-destruct. His running becomes an obsession, and he begins to push himself harder and harder each day.

As Kevin's story unfolds, we see him struggle to grapple with the events that led him to his current situation. Despite his tough exterior, we see glimpses of vulnerability and frustration, especially when dealing with his therapist or his family. He takes on long-distance running as a way of coping and prepares to compete in a national championship. Through his journey, we see a teenager trying to move past his tragedy in a healthy way but also someone who is flawed and makes mistakes.

Rogers' portrayal of Kevin is moving and poignant. He does a fantastic job of balancing the character's tough and vulnerable sides. His performance is complemented by supporting actors Tim Roth and Stefanie Scott, as well as Liana Liberato, who plays Kevin's mother. They all deliver believable and nuanced performances that add depth to the film.

The film also addresses deeper themes, such as the effects of trauma on a person's mental and emotional state. We see Kevin struggling with PTSD and anxiety, which causes him to act out at times. The movie highlights the importance of seeking help and the struggles of coping with grief and loss.

Furthermore, the film features impressive camera work, especially during the running scenes. The emotional intensity of the characters during these moments is captured beautifully, and the cinematography adds to the film's overall emotional impact.

In conclusion, Life at These Speeds is an emotive and compelling drama that explores the aftermath of a tragic event and a teenager's attempt to come to terms with his grief. The film boasts strong performances from its cast and highlights the importance of vulnerability and seeking help. It also features stunning camera work, especially during the running scenes, that captures the characters' emotions beautifully. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in human struggles and the power of resilience.