Level 16 - Watchable little number

'Level 16' is one of those films where the review shouldn't be too long.  That's because, if you ask, 'So... what's the film about?' you can't really say too much without giving away vital plot points.  It's even a little too much if I give away the genre, as that would also point to the story's motive.  I guess I'd have to call it a 'thriller' as that's the broadest term and one that just about fits it.  The whole reason you'll watch this film is to find out what's happening. 

We join a 'school' of young girls as they - er - 'graduate' to the final year of their educational institution, aka 'Level 16.' The reason I use so many quote marks around words is because this isn't your average American high school.  There's something very amiss.

Only giving away mild clues (that you'll get from the early parts of the movie) are that the girls are hardly 'enlightened' and seem to be 'taught' by a single teacher and a load of videos which push 'cleanliness' at all costs.  The outside world is never seen, but there's the ever 'exciting' promise that adults will one day come for the girls and adopt them into their new, perfect families.

Now, naturally we - the viewers - can see that something very bad is happening here.  You'll ask yourselves question like, 'Is there even a world out there?  Has there been some sort of alien takeover and the girls are merely human sacrifices?' and 'What's the deal with keeping the youngsters so clean?' All are valid questions and - don't worry - whatever you think is going on will eventually be explained to a satisfying conclusion by the end of the movie.

The stars of the film are - mainly - the young girls and - sometimes - having less experienced actors carrying a film can lead to lesser performances.  Luckily, all play their parts well and lead actress, Katie Douglas, could well be one to watch in the future.

So, assuming you enjoy watching the film through to the end, the only real flaw is that you can only ever watch it the once and not know what's coming.  Even if you love it (and it's certainly very watchable!) I can't see much point in re-watching it any time in the (near) future, as you'll know everything that's coming.  Definitely one to watch, but not one to re-watch very soon afterwards.

7/10 if I woke up on Groundhog Day and had to watch this again, I could live with that