Clique Bait
From the Archives
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16-Jan-2019
At an international school in Hong Kong, a high school girl spreads a video sexualizing her childhood friend. Directed by and starring Anna Mikami, “Clique Bait,” finds a group of teenage girls caught between worlds, reacting unpredictably to the pressures of school, fixations on outward appearance, and sex. When Chloe catches Lily making out with a boy after school, she records it and shares into a group chat. The video sparks a bevy of comments and judgement — Lily is slut-shamed while Chloe receives a surge in attention and popularity. As the rush dies down though, Chloe begins to question her decision, particularly when she comes face to face with her old friend. Mikami paints a troubling picture of teenage cruelty and exclusion, set apart by its somewhat disorienting setting — what feels like an American high school plopped down into Hong Kong, and the swirling mix of cultural values therein.
Written and directed by Anna Mikami. Director of Photography: Daisy Zhou. Starring Anna Mikami and Yeena Sung.
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