coming-of-age

TEEN SPIRIT: Familiar Tale Of Rising Talent Stays Sweet
TEEN SPIRIT: Familiar Tale Of Rising Talent Stays Sweet

The story of the underdog will always be a crowd-pleaser. An unknown phoenix yearning to…

SLUT IN A GOOD WAY: So Much More Than Another Teen Movie
SLUT IN A GOOD WAY: So Much More Than Another Teen Movie

Slut in a Good Way is an unapologetic celebration of first love, first heartbreak, and everything else that comes with being a teenage girl.

SXSW Review: GOOD BOYS: If You Like South Park, You’ll Like This
SXSW 2019 Review: GOOD BOYS: If You Like South Park, You’ll Like This

Good Boys is not for everyone, for it is messy and repetitive in what it’s doing, but it is also exceptionally funny, charming, and thoughtful.

SXSW Review: BOOKSMART: How is this Olivia Wilde’s Debut?!
SXSW 2019 Review: BOOKSMART: How Is This Olivia Wilde’s Debut?!

Just when I thought coming-of-age fatigue is about to kick in, Booksmart overwhelms with its confident energy and wisdom.

THE KID: A Bland, Disjointed Take On A Classic Story
THE KID: A Bland, Disjointed Take On A Classic Story

The Kid, directed by Vincent D’Onofrio and written by Andrew Lanham, is a take on…

THE CHANGEOVER: A Creepy and Surprisingly Effective Young Adult Supernatural Film
THE CHANGEOVER: A Creepy & Surprisingly Effective Young Adult Supernatural Film

A mature, eerie, and effective coming-of-age story, The Changeover is a definite standout when it comes to young adult films.

LADY BIRD: Invisible perfection?
LADY BIRD: Invisible Perfection?

Lady Bird is one of the best modern coming of age stories, but the greatness likely stems from the small scenes many audiences might miss.

GULLY BOY: Hip-Hop Empowers Mumbai's Poorest In Profound Musical Drama
GULLY BOY: Hip-Hop Empowers Mumbai’s Poorest In Profound Musical Drama

Some may preemptively dismiss Gully Boy as a rip-off of 8 Mile but there’s far more here than just another underdog hip-hop story.

PEPPERMINT SODA: As Refreshing & Effervescent As Its Titular Beverage

A spiritual forerunner to modern coming-of-age films like Eighth Grade and Lady Bird, Peppermint Soda is a charming glimpse at two teenage girls growing up.

MEKTOUB, MY LOVE: CANTO UNO - The Director of Blue is the Warmest Colour's Spectacular Fall From Grace
MEKTOUB, MY LOVE: CANTO UNO: The Director Of Blue Is The Warmest Colour’s Spectacular Fall From Grace

Mektoub My Love is one of the most self indulgent films in recent memory, with the threat of a sequel likely to kill off the director’s career altogether.

Interview With Melissa B. Miller Costanzo Director Of ALL THESE SMALL MOMENTS: On Making A Contemporary Film With Nostalgic Roots
Interview With Melissa B. Miller Costanzo, Director Of ALL THESE SMALL MOMENTS: On Making A Contemporary Film With Nostalgic Roots

We spoke with director Melissa B. Miller Costanzo about her new film All These Small Moments, and what inspired her to create this unique adolescent drama.

Hurry Slowly: A Low Stakes Slice of Life for a Fast-Paced World
HURRY SLOWLY: A Low Stakes Slice Of Life For A Fast-Paced World

The Norwegian drama Hurry Slowly is a peaceful, slow paced family drama which remains inviting despite its low narrative stakes.

ADULT LIFE SKILLS: Another Showcase for Jodie Whittaker’s Unique Charm
ADULT LIFE SKILLS: Another Showcase For Jodie Whittaker’s Unique Charm

Adult Life Skills is a poignant examination of a young woman whose growth has been stunted by grief, carried by Jodie Whittaker’s charming performance.

ALL THESE SMALL MOMENTS: A Tender Coming-Of-Age Dramedy
ALL THESE SMALL MOMENTS: A Tender Coming-Of-Age Dramedy

Writer/director Melissa B. Miller Costanzo’s feature debut touches on the complex nature of relationships with a stunning visual eye, resulting in a thought-provoking journey into the ill-defined nature of transitioning into adulthood.

GIRL: An Irresponsible Drama Which Could Harm Transgender Viewers
GIRL: An Irresponsible Drama Which Could Harm Transgender Viewers

Lukas Dhont’s directorial debut, Girl, is one of the year’s most irresponsible films, and could have a negative impact on younger trans viewers.