Critically acclaimed movie 'The Mend' was directed by LHHS grad

John Magary: Getty Images

Yet another Lake Highlands High School grad is making a name for himself in Hollywood and on the big screen.

John Magary, Lake Highlands High School class of ’96, directed a dark comedy about sibling rivalry called “The Mend,” which premiered to critical acclaim back at the 2014 SXSW film festival. It later was acquired by Cinelicious Pics and will be released on video on demand this month.

You also can catch a screening in Austin September 11-13, if you happen to be in the area.

Filmmaker David Gordon Green, who presented a screening of “The Mend” at Texas Theater last weekend, as well as the upcoming Austin screenings, calls “The Mend” a “beautiful, organic and boozy film about brotherhood, love and the intensities that simmer between people.”

“I was so impressed with the film when I saw it at SXSW,” Green continues, “that I knew I had to get involved in getting it viewed on a wider level. It exemplifies what indie film should be — uncommonly honest, with stellar acting, writing and directing.”

The New York Times calls it “funny, rugged and raw.”

Variety magazine reports “debutant feature writer-helmer John Magary directs with a great deal of verve, imbuing even the most drawn-out scenes … with a clipped, punkish energy.”

In addition to “The Mend,” John has written and directed several short films, including the post-Katrina narrative “The Second Line.”

Check out our September Q&A with another LHHS alum making movies, David Park.