The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

There was a time when teen movies were about how fun it is to be a teen, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, American Pie and Clueless to name just a few. These were the typical teenage movies we had become accustomed to, but now times have changed. The Edge of Seventeen is a new breed of teen movie, where being a teenager isn’t a bed of roses, but something to rush through on route to adulthood, and that makes the movie so enjoyable.

Hailee Steinfeld was a breath of fresh air as Nadine, effortlessly channelling the teenage angst of a seventeen-year-old trying to figure out her place in life while also dealing with the loss of her father and the complicated family dynamic that resulted. It’s clear that comedic timing comes naturally to Steinfeld, which makes her performance just downright enjoyable to watch. Shining in every scene he was in, Woody Harrelson as Nadine’s teacher, Mr Bruner is also a delight, I could have watched the exchanges between Nadine and Mr Bruner for the entire movie. Nadine with the angst and over-the-top childhood drama, finding a substitute father figure in Mr Bruner, a teacher beaten down by years of hearing the same story from multiple students and because of this he can help put Nadine’s issues in perspective and support her going through a tough time. The chemistry between the two is undeniable. Bust as good as the acting was a lot of the credit for good Edge of Seventeen turns out should go to writer & director, Kelly Fremon Craig, who has produced a real gem here. Not bad for her first directing.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Edge of Seventeen. The acting is great; the soundtrack is very perfect, and it mixes the charm of John Hughes films with modern sensibilities to produce a charismatic movie. But what truly made me love the movie is the way it deals with the loss of a parent. As someone who lost their father as a teenager; I found the way the story which deals with this part of the story very poignant and a lot more nuanced than most teen-dramas.