The edge of seventeen1/3/2023 ![]() ![]() Taken on its own modest terms, the movie proves that sometimes all you need is a strong cast, a sturdy script and a director who knows when and how to stay out of the way.Īfter an unpromising first scene in which the high-school junior rushes into the classroom of history teacher Mr. Instead, it coasts on brisk humor and clear-eyed empathy for its endearing, exasperating protagonist, neither brazenly satirizing her rather routine adolescent crises nor drowning them in acoustic-strumming earnestness. But The Edge of Seventeen is considerably less arch and gimmick-driven - less edgy, for lack of a better word - than other recent entries in the sub-genre (including decent ones like Easy A). Brooks, isn’t sporadically funny (it is) or doesn’t sometimes strain to be clever (it does). That doesn’t mean this directorial debut from Kelly Fremon Craig, produced by James L. Top performances and smart script combine to make for an enjoyable film that manages to give insight to the teen years without pigeon holing itself as a “teen movie”.Not that we needed another teen comedy revolving around angsty white millennials, but here’s The Edge of Seventeenanyway, and guess what? It’s really, really good.įast, full-hearted and graced with a beautifully modulated lead turn by Hailee Steinfeld, the movie takes the risk of playing it straight and sincere - and the risk pays off. It’s not just the big names that stand out, Hayden Szeto gives a very understated and impressive performance as Erwin. It’s perhaps Steinfeld’s best performance since True Grit, while Woody Harrelson’s gruff but tender Mr Bruner threatens to steal the show. Less schmaltzy than Sixteen Candles and more grounded that Mean Girls, it’s own, well structured and authentic slice of teen angst. It’s an impressive debut from Kelly Fremon Craig who crafts a film that above all feels genuine. It’s funny, heartfelt, and remarkably frank in it’s depiction of teenage life. ![]() It speaks to the multitude of events and expectations heaped on the younger generation, family dysfunction, friendships and peer pressure, school, relationships and even the loss of a loved one. It feels a tad frenetic in a way, a perfect encapsulation of the jumble that is a teenager’s life, showcasing the anguish and angst, the impulsive and emotionally driven decisions, and the instant regret. This isn’t just some girlish/melodramatic teen endeavor, it’s actually a whip-smart blending of coming of age movie, comedy, and family drama. The synopsis doesn’t do The Edge of Seventeen justice. Estranged from her mother (Kyra Sedgwick) and still dealing with the loss of her father a few years earlier, Nadine finds support in a new friendship with fellow loner Erwin (Hayden Szeto) and tough love from her teacher Mr Bruner (Woody Harrelson) leading to her realizing that what feels like the end of the world is just the beginning. Now teenagers, they’re inseparable, however their friendship seems to be over when Krista begins a romance with Nadine’s older brother Darian (Blake Jenner). Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) and Krista (Haley Lu Richardson) are two outsiders, awkward girls who forged a firm friendship and grew up together. Largely overlooked in theaters last year, it’s home video release gives you an opportunity to appreciate it for yourself. Then along comes debut writer/director Kelly Fremon Craig who makes it look easy, delivering a moving and entertaining addition to the genre. ![]() It’s a well trodden path and hard to add something new with a back catalogue including Mean Girls, Clueless, My Girl, Sixteen Candles or The Breakfast Club, to name but a few. One of the staples of cinema is the coming of age drama/comedy (dramedy). ![]()
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