We were all awkward teenagers (at least that’s what my therapist assures me), and in the documentary Billy the Kid, we relive a lot of those insecurities and oddities.
Billy Price is a 15-year-old boy who is growing up in a pretty small town (where, I’m not exactly certain. Midwest?) who is considerably average. The film lightly eludes to his having Asberger’s Syndrome, but never outright tells us this is the case (which may or may not be information we need). We see him interact with the kids from school, his family, and even a girlfriend (for a time), and all the while, it seems frustratingly interesting. You really hope the best for him, but there was a desperation there that made me feel like this might be it for Billy. I hope not.
Billy is a kid with his heart in the right place, but is left raw and vulnerable to attack from those who can take an easy shot at him. He’s so ready and eager to love and try and make friends, that his rejection is inevitable from those unwilling to take that chance. He is awkward, yes, but definitely not beyond reach. In some ways it reminds me of the Office, there’s a terrible draw at watching the uncomfortable interactions between Billy and others, but you also sympathize on some level, because it is so real. I really didn’t know what to expect from this documentary, but found some parts to be quite hilarious, while others were simply sad.
Make sure you pay close attention at exactly 23:28 minutes in. I cannot explain it, it must be witnessed first hand, it is simply amazing. Be sure and check it out Tuesday!
