Photo courtesy of Cone Arts

This week’s entry into Ragtag’s Homebrewed series is seriously disappointing. It really calls into question the entire concept. Perhaps Ragtag should rethink this in the future… because showing a film this good just once is a shame.

The Wise Kids takes place in a Baptist community in Charleston, South Carolina. The film tells the stories of three teenagers and their families; issues of sexuality, friendship and the transition into adulthood permeate all major plot points. But this isn’t just a movie about faith or identity. It’s a movie about life, and it’s told with a subtlety that highlights the small things, the elements of universal truth in every good story, that bind us all together.

Like other films in the Homebrewed series, The Wise Kids didn’t have a huge budget to work with, but it’s hard to imagine what more money could’ve done to improve anything. Writer/producer/director/actor Stephen Cone put together a beautiful script, and he and his castmates all delivered exceptional performances. The film relies heavily on young, inexperienced actors, and Molly Kunz (Brea), Tyler Ross (Tim) and Allison Torem (Laura) all shine. But there’s also a slew of veteran actors in supporting roles, and chances are good they’ll evoke a tear or two.

Tear number three? That’s everyone who didn’t make it out to Ragtag in time to see it. The Wise Kids really is that good.

Homebrewed returns to Ragtag next week with the final film in the series, In the Family.