Devon is a short film by young filmmaker Kabir McNeely for several years. His films are heartfelt, personal, and very independent.
Kabir stars as Devon, a teen who has been struggling with depression after the passing of his father. As an awkward teen, Devon is having trouble fitting in…anywhere. His only lifeline to the world around him is his best friend and crush, Cameron.
When Devon isn’t invited to the “Senior Sunrise” event with his class, Cameron encourages him to come anyway…though everyone forgot to tell Devon the location of the event moved.
When Cameron posts a picture of him and Devon on Instagram, things come to a head. The comments from their classmates are brutal, but when Cameron refuses to block those comments, Devon is devastated and turns to the only comfort he knows.
“…when Cameron refuses to block those comments, Devon is devastated…”
I don’t know Kabir at all, except through the films he produces. I don’t know how real or personal the story of Devon is, but he has a lot to say about what it means to be a gay youth trying to fit in. In Devon, Kabir tackles the issues of what it is about our physical appearances that make us unpopular and unloved.
Through these feelings of worthlessness, Devon acts out looking for comfort he can’t find from friends or family…and then the instant regret when the alternatives become life-threatening. We’re talking about eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Kabir brings a great deal of emotion to this performance.
Devon is another chapter in Kabir McNeely’s film career. Even from his first film as a literal child filmmaker, Kabir continues to evolve not only in his skills as a filmmaker but as a storyteller as well. He has much to say and reflect on life; his stories will only mature with age.
"…continues to evolve not only in his skills as a filmmaker but as a storyteller..."
