Pick of the week
Post-Gazette TV writer Rob Owen offers a viewing tip for the coming week
FRIDAY “Jawline,” Hulu.
A cautionary tale, this documentary about teenagers attempting to become famous on social media debuted at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, and it’s a real eye-opener, showing how some teens hire social media managers who then fall into the role of de facto parent.
Liza Mandelup’s debut feature mostly focuses on sweet, sensitive 16-year-old Austyn Tester of Kingsport, Tenn., who begins broadcasting online and connecting with a following of teen girls who are as in need of a connection with him as he is with them.
Austyn is kind and espouses positivity online (“don’t let anybody stop you from chasing your dreams”) and in his real life early on in the film.
“Jawline” also follows Michael Weist, a domineering social media manager who is also like a house mother to a gaggle of teen boy wannabe social media stars. One of the kids in particular doesn’t want to follow directions when Weist orders him to make a video for online posting, and it really is like watching a parent-teen relationship play out, only the “parent” is only a few years older than the teen.
“You cannot simply make content,” Weist says. “You need people working for your goals.”
The overwhelming vibe of “Jawline” is one of sadness. You’ll feel most badly for Austyn, who seems stuck in a dead-end life. But the teens who seek connection with online stars also come off as pitiable. If only all of these folks could find connection in the real world rather than resorting to an online search!
And where are the parents in all this? Some of these privileged teen “stars” appear to have moved into Weist’s house.
Weist comes off as both the film’s villain but also the one person willing to speak hard truths.
“Finding someone who looks cute on Instagram and getting them a million followers is easy to do,” he says. “But what happens when they’re 30? Because when they’re not cute, it’s game over. There’s no longevity behind it. Once they’re gone I’ll find someone else. Talent is replaceable. That’s the nature of the business.”