Liked

A teenage gamer, Roger, finds himself increasingly isolated and disillusioned as he navigates the complexities of online life and real-world relationships. When his girlfriend, a fellow gamer, takes her own life, Roger is left to grapple with grief, guilt, and the blurry lines between virtual and actual reality. The film explores themes of youth alienation, the impact of technology, and the search for connection in a digital age.

Upon its release, 'Liked' received a mixed to negative reception from critics. While some acknowledged the film's ambition in tackling relevant contemporary themes of online culture and mental health, many found its execution to be heavy-handed and its narrative underdeveloped. Performances were often cited as a highlight, particularly from the young cast, but the overall direction and script were frequently criticized.

• Praised for its attempt to capture the anxieties of digital native adolescents.
• Criticized for a narrative that felt disjointed and overly didactic.
• Some performances were noted as strong, but the overall impact was diminished by a lack of subtlety.

Google audience: Audience reviews for 'Liked' are generally negative, with many finding the film to be slow and lacking a clear emotional core. While a few viewers appreciated the exploration of online addiction and its consequences, the majority felt the plot was unengaging and the characters unrelatable. The film's somber tone and ambiguous ending were also points of contention.

The film was originally titled 'The Pretender' before being changed to 'Liked' for its festival premiere.