Archie Yates, the young actor who charmed audiences as Yorki in the Oscar-winning film Jojo Rabbit, is stepping into a new, more unsettling role in the short film Clout. Directed by Jordan Murphy Doidge, the Oscar- and BAFTA-qualifying short film delves into the perils of adolescence in the digital age, shining a spotlight on the dark side of coming of age online. As reported by Variety and IMDb on September 26, 2025, Clout follows the story of 13-year-old Oskar (played by Yates), whose desperate pursuit of online attention quickly spirals into something far more sinister.
At its core, Clout is a timely exploration of identity, vulnerability, and the unique hazards facing today’s youth as they navigate the treacherous waters of internet fame. The film’s press release succinctly captures its chilling premise: “The short echoes themes explored in Netflix’s ‘Adolescence,’ situating it firmly within a global conversation about identity, vulnerability and the dark side of coming of age online.” The film doesn’t shy away from tough questions—how far will a teenager go for validation in a world where likes and shares can feel like the ultimate currency? And at what cost?
The cast surrounding Yates is a blend of familiar faces and rising stars. Anna Wilson-Jones, known for her work in Black Mirror, brings her experience with dystopian narratives to the project. Nadine Marshall, celebrated for her role in Tatami, and Samuel Leakey of Gretel & Hansel fame, further elevate the film’s dramatic gravitas. Social media sensation Kit Price, along with newcomers Obi Oleforo and Ashwin Chandrasekaran, round out the ensemble, reflecting the very world of online influence the film seeks to examine.
Following its premiere at the HollyShorts Film Festival in August 2025, Clout is set to embark on a cinema tour across the United Kingdom this November in partnership with Everyman. But this isn’t just a film screening—it’s an event designed to spark conversation. Each showing will be followed by a Q&A session featuring the cast, crew, and mental health partners, fostering dialogue around youth mental health and online safety. According to Variety, this format aims to “spark dialogue around youth mental health and online safety,” a mission that feels more urgent than ever in today’s digital landscape.
The film’s production team is equally committed to its message. Clout was produced by Francis Chapman for Pimlico Pictures, with Lindsay Cullen serving as co-producer. The short has joined forces with several UK-based charities—Family Lives, The Mix, Into Film, and Arts Emergency—in hopes of amplifying its impact. These partnerships are more than symbolic; they signal a concrete effort to reach young people, parents, and educators, encouraging them to confront the realities of internet culture and its sometimes devastating consequences.
Archie Yates’s involvement in Clout is no accident. The actor first made waves for his portrayal of Yorki in Taika Waititi’s 2019 satirical black comedy Jojo Rabbit. That film, which won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and was nominated for Best Picture, introduced Yates to a global audience and earned him a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 2020 Critics’ Choice Awards. His endearing performance as the loyal and innocent Yorki showed a knack for balancing humor with emotional depth—qualities he brings to his latest role as Oskar.
Since Jojo Rabbit, Yates has continued to build an impressive résumé. He starred in Home Sweet Home Alone and has lent his voice to a variety of animated series, including Wolfboy and the Everything Factory, Amphibia, and Oni: Thunder God’s Tale. But Clout marks a departure from his previous work, challenging him to portray the darker realities faced by young people in the age of social media.
In today’s world, the internet is a double-edged sword for adolescents. On one hand, it offers community, creativity, and connection. On the other, it presents a minefield of dangers—cyberbullying, predatory behavior, and the relentless pressure to curate a perfect online persona. Clout doesn’t just acknowledge these risks; it dramatizes them, inviting viewers to witness the emotional toll they can exact on a vulnerable teenager.
The film’s narrative draws clear parallels to Netflix’s Adolescence, another work that grapples with the complexities of growing up in a hyper-connected world. By situating itself “firmly within a global conversation about identity, vulnerability and the dark side of coming of age online,” Clout positions itself as both a cautionary tale and a catalyst for change. It’s a story that feels ripped from today’s headlines, but also deeply personal for anyone who has ever felt lost in the digital crowd.
What sets Clout apart from other cautionary tales is its commitment to real-world impact. By partnering with organizations like Family Lives and The Mix, the film’s creators hope to move beyond passive viewing and inspire action. The post-screening Q&A sessions are designed not just for reflection, but for real dialogue—giving young people and their families a safe space to share experiences, ask questions, and seek support.
For director Jordan Murphy Doidge, the project is as much about storytelling as it is about social responsibility. The decision to make Clout an Oscar- and BAFTA-qualifying short signals a desire to reach the widest possible audience, ensuring that its message resonates far beyond the festival circuit. And with a cast that bridges traditional film and digital stardom, the film is uniquely positioned to connect with viewers across generations.
As Clout prepares for its UK cinema tour in November, anticipation is building—not just among film buffs, but among parents, educators, and mental health advocates eager to see how the film will contribute to ongoing conversations about youth and technology. In a world where the line between online and offline life grows ever blurrier, Clout offers a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and ask: What kind of attention are we really seeking? And at what cost?
With its powerful performances, timely themes, and commitment to real-world change, Clout stands as both a compelling work of art and a call to action. For Archie Yates and the team behind the film, it’s a chance to use storytelling not just to entertain, but to illuminate—and perhaps even to heal.
