Watch New Port South

New Port South is a powerful portrayal of the disillusionment of youth and the consequences of deviating from the status quo. Directed by Kyle Cooper, the film follows the story of two misfit high school students, Maddox (Blake Shields) and Nick (Will Estes), who initiate a social experiment that spirals out of control. With the help of a new student named Riley (Kevin Christy), the three decide to create a secret society that defies the structured routines of their school, New Port South.

Maddox, Nick, and Riley are restless, feeling stifled by the rigid rules and conformity of high school life. Maddox, a rebellious punk-rocker, has little respect for authority figures and is constantly at odds with his school's administration. Nick, on the other hand, is the school's star swimmer, but he feels trapped by the expectations of his coach and the pressure to perform. Riley is a loner who attends multiple high schools and has a cynical worldview. Together, they embark on a mission to change the status quo by rejecting the school's hierarchy and creating their own underground order.

Their plan starts small as they graffiti the bathrooms with clever slogans and wear matching armbands to school. However, their act of rebellion gains momentum as more students become intrigued by their secret society, and they begin to protest against the educational system's standardized testing.

As their experiment gains popularity, Maddox and Nick start to lose sight of their original intent. Maddox becomes consumed with the power he's gained and starts to exert control over the other members. Meanwhile, Nick, who had initially been reluctant to join, starts to feel the pressures of maintaining the secrecy of their order. The situation comes to a climax when Maddox and Nick's opposing views on how the society should operate lead to a devasting fallout in their friendship.

The film's central theme explores the tensions of adolescence, and the struggle to create one's own identity within societal constraints. As the students' experiment in rebellion escalates, they begin to realize the dangers of their actions, forcing them to re-evaluate their choices, and choose between standing behind their beliefs and the safety of fitting in.

New Port South's script, written by James Hughes, offers a complex and relatable depiction of the experiences that form one's identity in high school that ultimately leads to adulthood. The youthful energy emanating throughout the film is evident in its soundtrack, which features music from punk and alternative bands such as Bad Religion and The Living End.

Cooper's directing style underlines and intensifies the themes of the movie. He uses slow motion to intensify moments of tension and standoffs. The cinematography adds to the haunting atmosphere, particularly in the abandoned factory scenes where Maddox and Riley discuss the meaning of life.

The actors' performances are noteworthy, particularly Estes and Shields, who convincingly embody the insecurities and alienation that come with feeling overlooked in high school. Christy, as the new student and instigator of the experiment, gives a magnetic and enigmatic performance, playing the character with a subdued presence that makes him a source of interest.

In conclusion, New Port South is a thought-provoking movie that showcases the complexities and struggles adolescents face in their journey to find their identity. It offers a nuanced commentary on the idea of rebellion and reminds the viewer of the importance of individuality and the potential consequences of blindly following the status quo. The film is a commendable effort from Kyle Cooper and the cast and is worth watching for those who enjoy thought-provoking and intense dramas.

New Port South is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.