REVIEW: “American Vandal” portrays high school accurately

By Breana Lee,
BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–

[Warning: spoilers]

School vandalism. Although it is arguably rooted in high school life, it’s definitely been a hot topic lately. Netflix decided to take it to the next level when it released its Netflix original mockumentary “American Vandal” on Sept. 15.

Dylan Maxwell, played by Jimmy Tatro, is accused of spray painting 27 penises on cars in their school’s staff parking lot and is expelled for his crime. Documentarian Peter Maldonado, played by Tyler Alvarez, investigates the case in search of the truth.

The first episode outlines the district’s case against Dylan in four clear arguments: conflicting testimonies, access, target and dick drawing history

The story starts out certain that Dylan is the criminal, but as Peter follows the case and uncovers more evidence, he reveals a story as messy as the spray paint.

By analyzing ball hairs and heart shaped tips, he grows more skeptical about the claim that Dylan drew the dicks and he starts to question others: What was their motive? Did they have opportunity? What is their alibi? Peter asked for each of his potential culprits.

After eight episodes, American Vandal finished open-ended, making room for a second season which Netflix announced would be released in 2018.

The high school life is very realistic. Unlike many other awkward films, these teenagers act like teenagers. It doesn’t sound or look scripted. They talk like teenagers, react like teenagers, and show emotions from anger to happiness and annoyance like real teenagers.

You can easily identify the characters as people in high school: the slackers, druggies, jocks and nerds. Dylan and his friends make dumb, but admittedly funny, YouTube pranks and smoke victory joints.

Each cliff hanger or new piece of evidence will leave viewers itching to click the next episode as they grow emotionally attached to these characters.

With their phenomenal and supposedly high school graphics that help visualize timelines and journeys, high quality footage and thought out details in this mockumentary, “American Vandal” closely emulates a true-crime documentary like “Making a Murderer” or “Serial.”

Netflix’s unique and clever take on satire will make the audience laugh out loud, and even grow concerned for Dylan’s fate. “American Vandal” gives insight into the process and difficulties of creating a documentary/mockumentary (even if Peter’s biggest struggle is figuring out who drew the obscene images).

Netflix even stepped up the show’s realistic feel by using a real YouTube account. Don’t believe me? Just look up WAYBACKBOYSTV to see two of Dylan and his friends’ idiotically hilarious pranks featured in “American Vandal.”

Next time you’re scrolling through Netflix, be sure to check out “American Vandal” if you have the access. And your motive? Well, this review obviously (and maybe if you want to have a good chuckle too).