Release Date: April 13th, 2007
Director: D.J. Caruso
Plot Summary: After witnessing his father's death in a car accident after a father- son fishing trip, Kale Brecht goes into a deep depression. Then after not studying, his Spanish teacher antagonizes him in front of the class, and asks him what his father would think. Kale punches the teacher in the face, and is sentenced to three months under house arrest.
After the initial excitement of video games and junk food wears off, Kale starts to observe his neighbors. He finds himself cataloging their routines and he even learns some of their dirty secrets.
A new family moves in next door and Kale watches the teen daughter, Ashley and learns her nuances and then finally gets to know her. They become very close and Kale reveals to her his observations. At the same time, Mr. Turner moves in and at first he seems nice and even tries to befriend Kale's mom, but Kale what he believes is a woman getting murdered in the house. After this Kale becomes very suspicious of Mr. Turner and he and his friend Ronnie even try to spy on him while Ashley keeps watch. The situation escalates and Kale, Ronnie, and Ashley all find themselves in danger.
Critical Evaluation: Kale's authentic reaction to his father's death, allows teen boys watching the show to identify with loss. Then when Kale honestly tells Ashley what he sees in her, and his observations of her also reveals a sensitive side not commonly portrayed in the media by a man. Disturbia's thriller content is exciting without being excessively violent and the tension as well as Kale's wit drive the plot. In addition, the respect he shows Ashley by noticing her reading and time where she contemplates her own life, Kale demonstrates for young adults that there should and can be positive relationships among teens where the attraction supersedes mere physicality.
Annotation: A depressed and frustrated Kale hits his Spanish teacher and must spend the entire summer under house arrest. He takes to voyeurism and discovers a beautiful new neighbor and a serial killer are his new neighbors.
Genre: Thriller (Teen)
Curriculum Ties: Psychology: Grief/ Depression
Discussion Ideas:
1.) When Kale describes his observations of Ashley, is it troublesome or sensitive and endearing?
2.)The opening scene of the film between Kale and his father conveys a healthy family dynamic. The phone call to the mother, the banter while they fish, and the way the father thanks Kale for sacrificing time with his friends to fish, all are expressions of a family with respect and compassion. Do you think it is even more painful for Kale because of the exceptional family he had?
3.)Do you think voyeurism like Kale demonstrates is wrong?
Age Level/ Interest level: PG-13, Grades 9th Grade and up
Challenge Issues: There are no challenge issues, however the violence may call for parental consent.
Reasons for Selection: As a thriller, Disturbia is riveting, Kale's voyeurism is both uncomfortable and intriguing all at once, and his relationships in the film are complex as well as respectful. I am a huge fan of suspense and thrillers, but I feel the acting and the plot raise this film to a whole new level!
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