There’s no denying the bittersweet nostalgia that accompanies coming-of-age movies – and Booksmart is no exception. A stellar unfiltered high school comedy filled with witty dialogue, Booksmart follows academic overachievers, Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and her best friend Amy (Kaitlyn Dever), as they show the world that they can be smart and fun. Having spent their high school careers toiling away in the library to get accepted into prestigious colleges, their understanding of the world is soon shattered when they learn that their less studious, partying classmates got accepted into the same big-name universities. And so, on the eve of graduation, Molly and Amy decide to cram everything they missed into one, unforgettable night.
Admittedly, Booksmart is up against some of the greatest coming-of-age movies of all time – Lady Bird, The Edge of Seventeen, The Breakfast Club, Love, Simon, and so many more. Yet, time after time, I’m drawn back to Booksmart. There’s something about this electric feature debut that makes me want to watch it over and over again despite it’s painful reminder of my own awkward transition from childhood into adulthood. Here are nine reasons why Booksmart is the greatest coming-of-age movie.
Everett Collection
The Movie Has Some Mesmerizing Scenes
The eye-catching cinematography and swift editing both help to lift the story onto the big screen. For example, one of the best scenes in Booksmart is when Molly realizes that many of her peers have also been admitted to top colleges. During this revelation, countless students celebrate the last day of high day with streamers and water-filled condoms in the hallway. But, what makes the scene so exhilarating is that it’s captured in slow-motion, enhancing just how overwhelmed and confused Molly feels.
Another awe-inspiring scene is when Amy dives into a pool to look for her crush Ryan, which results in a long, underwater sequence. The simple and slow pace of this scene helps to emotionally engage the audience, giving them a moment to catch up on the narrative.
Everett Collection / Francois Duhamel
Olivia Wilde Is a Kickass Director Who Deserves All the Kudos
Gender inequality and diversity is still a very real problem in the film industry. But it’s prominent women like Olivia Wilde that are leading the charge in changing the status quo. Legacy actress and filmmaker Wilde made her directorial debut with Booksmart. Her work behind the lens was recognized when she won the award for Best First Feature for the movie at the 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards.
