Twelve (2010)

"Twelve" (2010) dives into the opulent yet morally bankrupt world of Manhattan's elite teenagers through the eyes of White Mike, a young man who abandoned his education to deal drugs. His carefully constructed life of luxury and detachment begins to crumble when his cousin is murdered, and his best friend is implicated in the crime. As the investigation unfolds, White Mike is forced to confront the devastating consequences of his choices and the dark underbelly of the seemingly glamorous world he inhabits, revealing a stark portrait of youth, excess, and the loss of innocence. Despite its mixed reception, "Twelve" earns a place among Joel Schumacher's best for its visually striking and unflinching exploration of a specific subculture. While potentially flawed in its execution, Schumacher, a master of visual storytelling, creates a compelling and unsettling atmosphere, drawing the audience into the disaffected mindset of its characters. The film, much like his other work, isn't afraid to be bold and provocative, offering a commentary on societal decay and the dangers of unchecked privilege, even if the message is delivered with a heavy hand. The film displays a mastery of mood and atmosphere that is distinctly Schumacher, making it a noteworthy, albeit controversial, entry in his filmography.