After four excruciating years documenting and gathering frantic notes on the people at Irvington, the documentary “Inside the Mind of Irvington High ” released on March 40, 2021. Directed by Wobert E. Rilde and produced by critically-acclaimed Sbeve, the work features Irvington students, faculty, and the occasional SRO. 

Set in Fremont, CA, Irvington High has become famous for its feature in the New York Times, depicting the high-quality depressed alumni. Yet, it has also become known for its profound benchmark projects, making the school an enigma with secrets upon secrets. With the help of well-equipped clocks and high-quality vents, the creative camera people were able to document relationships at the school as a long-lasting testament to time.

At first glance, the documentary appears boring, showing a school just like any other Bay Area high school, with students flocking to get boba and teachers collaborating to create the next final worth 20000 points. Not to mention, Irvington does not even shine among others in its own district. Fremont Unified’s Mission San Jose is reputed for its academics, Washington High is unsurpassed at sports, and American High dominates the ‘spirit’ aspect. All in all, not much looks up for Irvington.

Yet, what follows is intriguing drama and intense music. The crew tackles three main issues, apart from the quirky students and quitting teachers. It answers three longstanding questions: 

1. Why are clocks?
2. Art Magnet → hoax or real?
3. Benchmark projects → created for some ultimate agenda to push Irvington into becoming a new label? Or maybe to prepare students for an upcoming war against the other schools? 

Suffice to say, the documentary has gotten some mixed reviews. Some reputed members of the community in the vicinity commented upon the regality of this masterpiece. “Wow, Irvington is more than just a prison,” Stew Burg (12), a senior at Irvington stated. 

Others questioned the validity of this documentary a tad bit more.

“3.5 / 5 – I really thought there would be more mustard,” described Y/N (11). “But honestly the clocks can tell time? That’s kinda crazy.”

Overall, by tying in twists and turns every step of the way, this cinematic production keeps audience members at the edge of their seats. From cameramen nearly getting caught, to that one kid at the library printing out their assignment last minute, there’s a moment for everyone to take in.

Rating: 69/10