It's Sex Education, without the sex or the education.
What it's about
Lovestruck teen Archie (Sebastian Croft) tries to sabotage a budding romance between his childhood love Amelia (Charithra Chandran) and charming new student Billy Walsh (Tanner Buchanan).
The take
The film takes us into the mind of a performative teenager trying to convince us, or an imaginary cameraman, of his coolness and wisdom. The second-person device may evoke teen comedy series from the 2000s (at best), but it is incredibly disorienting in this 100-minute movie. It is a slog of straightforward punchlines and tired cliches, which picks up a little too late in the final act where the central idea finally reveals itself: the harder you try to maintain control, the more easily it slips away. Similarly, the less brain power you use for this film, the better it gets.
What stands out
"If you think too loudly, you'll never hear the answer you're looking for" is a great line.
An exciting and heartbreaking fairy tale with a modern, class-centric twist
9.0
My Old Ass (2024)
A pleasant mix of comedy and coming-of-age that may or may not leave you in tears
8.0
The Substance (2024)
Demi Moore swaps bodies in this standout chaotic body dysmorphia horror
8.3
The Tales of Hoffmann (1951)
A poet reminisces over lost love in this spectacular, sung-through opera adaptation
7.7
Cold War (2018)
A quiet Polish masterpiece with ravishing music and dazzling visuals
9.2
Wild Tales (2014)
Co-produced by Pedro Almodóvar, this tumultuous Argentine anthology film tests the limits of human sanity when pushed to the extremes – and will also test yours.
9.9
The Farewell (2019)
Awkwafina shines in this complex culture clash comedy.
9.1
Booksmart (2019)
Two academic overachievers from high school set out to prove that they're a smart and fun for one last time.
9.0
Forgotten Love (2023)
The stunning third take of the classic Polish pre-war melodrama
7.7
Broken Embraces (2009)
A blind man remembers his love in this melancholic, noirish romance thriller