I bought a billboard and it was a disaster 

Easily my favorite video I’ve ever made… genuinely proud of this one y’all 😭 thanks 4 enjoying and if u didn’t you will burn.

the symbolism of feet pictured on the billboard is deeply significant as feet are used to move, the billboard was meant to move drew in a new direction in life both physically and metaphorically. the dirt on the feet is meant to represent how the feet have already been used as drew is in constant motion, growing and moving as a person. truly amazing !

drew this is absolutely exquisite.

I find it disheartening that in a comment section teaming with seasoned film watchers, not one person mentioned that this is clearly an elaborate and explorative piece on the fall of the American ideal. At the beginning of the film, the symbol of the two characters gazing at an open sky- undeniably a direct allusion to American Progress- 1872 painting by John Gast. Followed by scenes of the main character exploring an open country in search of what? The American Dream? Contrasted immediately by his unrelenting capitalistic drive for fame, power, and recognition. This stark juxtaposition is undeniably a commentary on the realities of the American man and how almost every avenue toward “success” will result in disappointment, agony, and flames. This is Phillips’s greatest work to date and I commend his bravery to be so open and vulnerable on this most relevant subject.

I am loving the new content concept 😍

When is this dropping on Letterboxd

why is no one talking about drew’s original quote at the end?? drew how did you come up with this? no one else could’ve put that together so well, it’s almost..it’s almost as if it’s out of a movie..god drew you’re insane. oh how you amaze us all

my dad literally hung this billboard. he sent me a picture of it on July 12 after he finished the job and I explained to him who you are

this is such an interesting take on capitalism in society, Drew.

Drew runs exactly how I expected him to and honestly that in itself is unexpected

really fucking obsessed w this

jokes aside the segment with drew and his family was so heartwarming, it’s genuinely a privilege to have people around you after what’s happened. love you guys

The CMBYN quote has me fucking crying lmao this one was on another level

drew’s monologue: “my life isn’t a coming of age movie, it’s a tragedy” the video footage: literally a coming of age movie

the scene in the car where drew wears the cat hood and threatens to burn down the billboard really spoke to me. the childlike appearance coupled with his mother's presence and attempts to persuade him away from violence truly emphasises the adolescent expression of drews anger towards the billboard. his resulting letting go of the anger towards the billboard and the montage of his adult, independent life travelling with his friends seems to be a representation of his transition to adulthood and his changing attitude towards negative things in his life. this work is a masterpiece

That’s what brought me here. That billboard is in my hometown, and seeing my father’s abject horror at it made me admire you immediately, just out of spite.

if i saw that billboard, i would go out of my car and kneel and pray.

I feel genuinely sad for everyone in the world who hasn’t seen this video bc it’s absolutely amazing

In all seriousness, I really enjoyed the video Drew. Lately…I’ve been feeling so useless and suicidal…and your message at the end really hit a spot Update: umm I didn’t know the end quote was from CMBYN LMFAOOO drew YOURE a gaslighter and a manipulator

You all have no idea how deep the meaning of the billboard is. The fact that he misspelled his own name is his way of showing that he is just like all of us. Even though he is a higher power on this earth, he humbles himself by not using autocorrect. He knows he is better than us, but he tries to hide it by doing little things like this. Truly inspiring. One of a kind. He shows his love for us in the craziest ways ;p

The way the music completely overpowers his voice and you can’t hear a goddam thing 🤩

a24's new masterpiece starring Drew Phillips teaches us so much about ourselves, the symbolism in this film about truly seeing yourself for the first time was so beautiful and raw and I think so many people will resonate with this one. This movie reflects our deepest and darkest sides of humanity; Phillips puts so much time and money into buying this billboard of himself for it to only turn into a disaster that he himself cannot fathom. Genius! This perfectly and beautifully encapsulates the human experience of giving so much of yourself to try and be something you're not, and only when it's too late (the billboard) do you realise what you have done. The removal of the blindfold is truly immense at encapsulating Drews awakening to this monster that he has created from himself. This is a modern Frankenstein, Drew Phillips put Mary Shelley's whole pussy into his role and it payed off spectacularly.

the last couple of seconds with the music playing was actually so heartwarming that tears were starting to form

wait unironically love how this is filmed the shots are so good. this IS an arthouse film

the way drew runs literally traumatizes me

This is truly beautiful. The addition of the quote from the father in Call Me By Your Na- I mean you, was the perfect ending to a story of hope, love, loss, and grief. You are a master of all the arts.

Spending 1,700 on a billboard for a video and then getting that money back from the monetization, pretty smart and this was funny. xD

i actually teared up at the little montage of memories at the end. I'm glad drew seems to be connecting with loved ones, nature, and appreciating the little moments

this is such a beautiful allegory for life. the motif of fire being the sign for rebirth as a phoenix rises from the flames. the hesitation to change is seen in the irresolute decision to burn the sign down. he finds solace in letting go of anger and allowing life to take its course in an ebb and flow. the true victory is found in his own spiritual rebirth and not in the destruction of earthly objects. perfectly executed drew phillips.

11:25 i don’t think i’ve ever seen drew look as wholesome as he does in this small shot,, like he looks so pure and angelic and the music pairs so well with the vibe,, ✨✨ mesmerizing ✨✨

drew running is my favourite thing to watch. i envy the grace and poise in every embrace that I so dearly lack and crave. this is a gift. cherish it.

I'm truly puzzled by this film... but to say that I'm speechless would be a lie. The truth is, I cannot put my thoughts into words. It can be assumed that his feet are so dirty in the billboard because he traveled through the Utah deserts, did he not? Why then is he so ashamed? So fast to insult himself? Why, if not to neglect his accomplishments. I would say that this is a symbol of holding on to your past. This point is also brought up at the very beginning of the feature, when Enya describes how troubling it would've been to sit on the roof at an earlier time of the year because it would've been much warmer. If they hate the heat, why the fireworks? Why is Phillips so insistent on burning down his billboard? Perhaps he's not willing to let go of the warmth of the shimmer memories give off, for the glow is so divine. Oh, Drew. Destruction is not a substitute for healing. 10/10 video

This is Drew's filmmaking era and I'm here for it

the feelings that this evokes is what whiplash intended but did not succeed

One of those videos that I look back on and I am in awe…truly

Drew I haven’t even finished yet, but you’ve outdone yourself

Taking a look at the separation of his eyes, drew it trying to tell his audience that he’s expanding his horizon. He expanding and growing to bigger and better places. The fact that there quite exaggerated is letting us take notice of his hopes to expand and his want to be congratulated for growing so far hence why they’re so noticeable. Congratulations drew 😵

the moment i saw the billboard it brought tears to my eyes. there’s so much meaning behind it; it’s truly magnificent and i applaud you for the beautiful creativity you have. this masterpiece will touch the hearts of many like it did with me.

this is easily the most beautiful and heartwrenching film I have ever experienced, if this doesn't win an oscar I will riot. Drew, the way you tell stories is unlike anyone I've ever seen and I truly believe that you are the most eloquent person to ever grace this earth...thank you

somewhere in northern italy drew's son fell in love with an american and they had a beautiful summer romance until the American left and drew delivered his heartfelt speech about love, loss, and youth. sufjan stevens wrote songs about it.

Drew's joker moment

i think this piece can have many different interpretations. from my perspective, the message is of distance. from drew traveling a great distance to get there and the distance between his eyes on the billboard, to the distance he sees between his perceived self and the version of him that is on the billboard. the distance between his feet is also something to note, an example of the parallels in this piece. the way his feet are the same distance apart as his eyes are on the billboard shows the interesting comparisons one can make. another theme is the element of storytelling. finding out this was all a story drew was telling enya makes you think about the story drew is telling us as the audience. a story within a story if you will. we can go even deeper, with the story being told to us through youtube being part of the story of drews life, referenced in the beginning. love this video youre amazing drew

Drew phillips’ ‘i bought a billboard and it was a disaster’ is a masterpiece. A haunting, heartbreaking, heartwarming, enthralling and surprisingly funny experience anchored by a powerhouse of a performance from Drew phillips. Not only one of the best movies I’ve seen this year but maybe ever as well. Wow.

drew, this is another side to your creative genius and i am absolutely in love with it. and lets talk about how amazing that monologue was in the beginning. not to mention your quote at the end, dang, love this video

This actually took place years ago, this is his villain origin story. He aspired to rule over his hometown but this humiliation drove him out of the city, thus moving to L.A. The menace was created.

I think Drew's strong hatred of the billboard is supposed to represent the discontent he feels about his image online. It's clear he's upset about how everyone sees his every move as a joke. A gag. A skit. Perhaps this is the start of Drew wanting to be seen in a different light

I truly think everyone is missing the symbolism of the fire that was shown in the clip of him in the car. It's astonishing when you really dive into it, it shows how passionate drew is as a person and it is the source of energy to keep him going as an individual. The fact that someone must ignite the fire (in this case his passion) correlates back to him being surrounded by his family as shown throughout the video. Drew wouldn't be Drew without his family and friends, they are the "ignitors" of this pure fire. They continuously push Drew to be a greater person and they add to his passion of creating superb videos like this one. The fact that it's in the car as well shows that Drew is in his own bubble and he goes on about his day not giving a single fuck about what other have to say. As for the billboard, there is just an immense amount of meaning behind it. The face being disproportionate shows that no one is truly perfect, as a society we strive for a "perfect" body but in reality everyone is different and unique, Drew set a beautiful example for the younger kids to show them how no one will ever be perfect. Truly this film is one of a kind and is fantastic. I thank you Drew for opening my eyes further on what reality should be like, I have finally found peace in my soul.

You and enya are so in sync like it’s so cool that you guys are both finding what content you like making right at the same time.. and succeeding ! Much love to you and your circles

DREW THIS IS SERIOUSLY SUCH AN AMAZING VIDEO LIKE THE EDITING THE QUALITY THE STORYTELLING TYE VIDEOGRAPHY THE SCORE EVERYTHING

i genuinely got chills once you revealed the billboard i hope the debt is worth it 💗💗

Simultaneously the most chaotic and calming thing I’ve ever laid eyes on

i actually really loved this video, the montage at the end with his family hurts my heart it’s so cute

In the opening scene we are exposed to the protagonist, Drew Phillip, and his struggles and dysfunctional relationship with his counterpart, enya. Drew’s monologue opens the audiences mind to how insignificant we, as humans, can feel when surrounded by our own failures and how this can crush our mental state. In chapter 1 we see Drew’s ambition to become a star after all of the personal sacrifices he has made to erect the billboard. The protagonist struggles on his journey to the billboard, battling the forces of nature but also reflecting on how his fans look up to his already achieved success, we hear this in the quote “a lot of people want this success, the fame, the money, the riches, the bitches” - this is perhaps a comment on capitalism and how it plagues society. Towards the end of chapter one we see Drew’s disappointment and embarrassment from the billboard, it is not all he hoped and dreamed it would be “what the fuck is that? What is that? Why are my eyes so far apart?”. Drew vows to destroy the billboard. In chapter two, a calmer atmosphere is created. The protagonist is seen preparing for the destruction of the billboard, practicing with different ammunition types. This chapter is short however, it lets us as the audience get a glimpse into Drew’s mental state and how destroying the billboard will put him at peace. In chapter three, we see Drew attempt arson. The protagonist is very emotional towards the billboard and we can see the emotional strain that the billboard has had on his life in the short period of time it has been erected. Drew hesitates destroying the billboard, almost like he doesn’t actually want to destroy it - it is clear the psychological effects of these events are deep in Drew’s psyche. In the final scene, we return back to the rooftop from the opening of the film where enya is amazed by Drew’s ability to story tell and is scared by his vast wisdom and the power he holds. This is truly an emotional and inspiring film, one where the audience feels the protagonists pain and suffering with him, but are also comforted when drew finally succeeds by the closing quote.

this is unironically cinematic and i love every second of it

drew you have truly outdone yourself, the symbolism in this film is amazing…. you have done it again constantly raising the bar for all of us and doing it flawlessly….and the fullmetal alchemist brotherhood music??? you make us so proud

I feel like this video has opened my eyes into a new universe.... passion is the thing that drew puts forth most. That's probably why it feels like I'm sitting on baby doves when I watch his videos. It's like a new society he's created; bigger and better. This deserves more attention, as he is reaching more and more greasies each day.

This was the perfect embodiment of drama, comedy, and heart warming. Thank you drew Philips

no because i need to write an essay on this now; the symbolism, the film techniques, the sound and visual techniques, the cmbyn quote... thank you Drew Philip.

This film by drew phillip is such a relatable story that we all face. We deserve attention. Mr phillip greatly achieved the message throughout this whole film. I enjoy the rollercoaster of emotions this film made me felt, because I needed to feel something. Such great dialogue by mr Phillip and the cast, the film director is so talented! I would give this film a 9.5/10.

The dialogue in one headphone and music in the other made this so much more cinematic. 10/10 idk why more directors don’t take this immersive approach more smh.

this is drew's greatest work to date... the deep, poignant symbolism behind it all has had me thinking harder than i have in a long time. the symbolism behind the yellow, dirty feet is so obvious yet so subtle. the misspelled name. the eyes that are too far apart. it's beautiful. thank you for this beautiful film, drew.

"i will be a star and i will do anything to get there" OKAY MISS PEARL!

film review!!!!: the smile on drew’s face but his dirty stinky feet shows how influencers can often feel the pressure to put on a perfect image meanwhile they are struggling and it’s honestly so important for us to acknowledge it.

It’s crazy how you shape-shifted in Call Me By Your Name

“i bought a billboard and it was a disaster” might be Drew Phillips’ very first work, but it doesn’t miss out on the hauntingly beautiful aspects of life, a real masterpiece of its own. the film shockingly addresses society, which is represented by the billboard itself, and Drew delivers an absolutely stunning and heartbreaking performance. the editing and the input of the feet surpasses any film ever made, dare i even say Tarantino couldn’t have done it better (he actually retired after watching this)

I literally want to cry. Drew and Enya are deadass so unreal. I wish I could even meet them like bro, their lives are hella eventful and I find it being so interesting with how they are daily. Their days must be fun af. I want friends

Loving this new style. Loving how the music drowned out your tragic backstory. Loving the billboard, the feet show how many long miles you have walked to overcome your trauma.

WHAT A MASTERPIECE! Also those elegant words at the end, just tying everything together oh so casually? YOU ARE A GENIUS.

this movie is absolutely nuts, like an acid trip slathered in meth, a delirious drive off the edge, a kaleidoscope extravaganza that must be experienced to believe, a phantasmagoric descent into the void.

the scenes, the music, the dialogue, and the quote at the end its just pure perfection, made me feel emotions that i didn't even know i had in me

Wait why did drew accidentally go off on this…this is like my favourite video so far

THE CAMERA PAN TO MADELINE AT 6:02

Drew committing arson in a cat mask is something I wasn't expecting but appreciate

the film starts with a shot-reverse-shot sequence, which really sets the tone for what's to come. Drew's inner conflict is built here, and foreshadows the later half of the video. while the narration is usually seen in film noir, drew utilizes it in a new fashion by fusing montage with satire, allowing for the viewer to glimpse both the passing of time and space, heightened by setting of rural middle America. the hostage-like scenes of drew in the car truly represent the essence of this video; drew, like us all, is a hostage to fame its appeal. we want it all, but at what cost? for drew, it cost him too much. earlier themes of violence and inner rage led drew to do the unimaginable, yet the viewer saw this coming. from previous scenes featuring guns and ammo, the outcome was inevitable. at the end of the day, capitalism wins. drew is just a person in a complex system of bureaucracy; he cannot change his image, let alone the world. was it all a dream? i'm not quite sure.

best cinematography piece of 2021 i’ve seen yet, so many raw emotions

The third act is where this film really flourishes. It perfectly connects all chapters of this film as we begin seeing Phillips literally covering his face with a mask, showing how deep his fear of truly letting his guard down is. This time, he is accompanied with his mother which truly shows that he is growing and has learnt from chapter two that he needs to be more connected with his inner child to accept himself fully, and the presence of the mother figure does a beautiful job at representing that closeness with his childhood. Phillips is on a journey to destroy a part of himself that only he is responsible for creating. This speaks to humanity on such a deep level as we put so much of ourselves into trying to be something to the world that we, deep down are not and are just disgusted with at the end of the day with ourselves and the world we live in. However, I think that the true essence of this movie is not to try and rid ourselves of our parts we may be ashamed of, but to accept them as we are all of us - our flaws, beauties, relationships, our past - it makes us who we are. Phillips starts to make peace with all aspects of himself as we are encountered with a sweet track at the end of this masterpiece and are brought back to Phillips accompanied with Umanzor on the rooftop. Umanzor here represents the outer world that Phillips is no longer letting get to him, she walks away and we see Drew reflecting on his past and appreciating the moments and parts of him that have made him who he is in this moment. He even lights a firework at his billboard, showing he is unafraid of the dark sides of him, he is now free and fluorescent like the firework he yields. Such a beautiful piece Drew.

the minion fit is a slay of a serve

drew that’s crazy i didn’t know you had a hand in the writing of the call me by your name script!! congrats man! 😁

i’ve never commented on a youtube video before but this is so worth it. this. was simply the best thing i’ve ever seen and idk maybe i’m rlly emotionally fragile rn but the text at the end made me shed a single tear. incredible

the way i was literally driving, saw the billboard and was caught so off guard LOL

wow. what a stunning film. truly beautiful and brings a tear to my eye. drew delivers his lines in the most poetic way that touches your heart. the music conveys the deep emotion of the scenes. the separate chapters beautifully split the film into palatable chapters that allow for the audience to keep up with the scenes. also the editing adds even more layers to the film. they black and white shows a period of reflection, the flashbacks highlight the themes, the long cuts sandwiched between the quick cuts. and the amazing circular plot??? stunning. 100000/10 film. there's definite rewatch value. i'm recommending it to my family and friends and i will be publishing an article about it to spread the word. drew phillips is on his way up in the world and i'm just proud to say i was here when the flame of your success was sparked. keep your eye out for selener and more content from this guy, he's going to be big.

i pledge allegiance to drew phillips

I love how he is talking about how he's not the main character while acting like a main character

poetic cinema.. the last quote at the end rlly tuched my heart.. i dont think im gonna be the same person after this short film.. truly heartwarming out of body experience

This was so beautiful and heart-wrenching at the same time. Wonderfully done

Drew is the epitome of a pisces lmaooo

Why is Drew running around screaming about his billboard giving me Fred vibes

incredible

This is the most beautiful piece of art made. Drew's descent into madness takes the viewer with him, in a powerful journey of self discovery and growth. Each frame and image conveys a whole array of complex feelings and insights. Through a passionate and riveting piece of cinema, Drew depicts a sincere commentary on the tumultuous state and ephemeral nature of life itself. A modern Da Vinci.

please don’t ever stop creating videos that you genuinely love making. you’re an artist drew, don’t forget it

ain’t even watched it all and i already know this is good🤷‍♂️🤣💯

As someone who has been suicidal for quite sometime, when I read the message at the end, it was so sweet! It was just such a nice message that it made me cry and I screenshotted it so I can read it everyday to make myself better. You're one of the reasons why I'm still here

This video is literally a masterpiece

ok we NEED to make this the highest rated film on letterboxd

Cinematic. Beautiful. Important. What the world needed at times like this.

I can see how you exude bits and pieces of the hrh collection behavior, truly inspiring to see my favorite youtubers become one

"mr. perlman's monologue quoted at the end is such a perfect way to end this beautiful masterpiece" -Drew Phillips

Drew with his SNL DEBUT 🤩🤩🤩

if i could, i would write a lengthy semi-ironic review on letterboxd for this, drew

I would like to point out the correspondence between the cow scene during the monologue and the script point of saying "tragedy". While the cow seems to be calm, there is a juxtaposition between the scenery, script, and ambience of the scene. The water is creeping up almost seems like it could swallow the cow whole yet there is something very calming of the scene and the tone of Drew's voice. Along with the title of the film, there is a sense that Drew is personifying the water in a subtle yet very satisfying way. His voice seems to drip like honey, or like water and fills the viewer with dread, but then counteracts that by the scenes shown. Very cool, another way that Drew gaslights and toys with his loyal follower's emotions and minds. Give yourself a pat on the back Drew, this is one of your best videos yet.