Movie Title: Booksmart
Release Year: 2019
Director: Olivia Wilde
Writers: Emily Halpern, Sarah Haskins, Susanna Fogel, Katie Silberman
Starring: Kaitlyn Dever, Beanie Feldstein, Jessica Williams, Lisa Kudrow, Will Forte
Genre: Comedy, Coming-of-Age
Running Time: 102 minutes
Production Companies: Annapurna Pictures, Gloria Sanchez Productions
Box Office Gross: $24 million
Plot Summary:
Booksmart is a coming-of-age comedy that follows two high school best friends, Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein), who have spent their entire high school careers focused on academics and avoiding the social scene. As they approach graduation, they realize that they have sacrificed their social lives and fun in order to secure a future of success. In an effort to make up for lost time, they decide to spend one wild night before graduation partying and having the experiences they’ve missed out on.
The film chronicles their hilarious and heartfelt journey as they try to fit in with their classmates, learn valuable life lessons, and discover more about themselves and their friendship along the way. Booksmart offers a unique take on the high school comedy genre by focusing on the female friendship at its core and exploring themes of ambition, identity, and the complexities of adolescence.
Themes:
- Friendship and Loyalty: The movie places a strong emphasis on the bond between the two protagonists, showing how their deep friendship helps them navigate both the hilarity and emotional challenges of growing up.
- Self-Discovery and Empowerment: Amy and Molly’s adventure is not just about seeking fun, but also about discovering who they are outside of the labels and expectations placed on them.
- Breaking Stereotypes: The film plays with and subverts the typical high school movie tropes, with two smart, ambitious young women at the center of the story who don’t fit the traditional “rebellious” mold of teenage comedies.
Reception:
Booksmart received widespread critical acclaim for its sharp writing, direction by Olivia Wilde, and standout performances from its lead actresses, Dever and Feldstein. Critics praised the film for its fresh take on the teen comedy genre, focusing on the complexity of female friendships and the idea that fun and success are not mutually exclusive. The film was compared to classics like Superbad, but with a more modern and female-centric perspective.
While the movie performed moderately well at the box office, it became a sleeper hit and garnered a cult following after its release on home video and streaming platforms. It is particularly celebrated for its witty humor, empowering messages, and its exploration of gender and identity in the coming-of-age genre.
Awards:
- Nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
- Won the Best Ensemble Performance at the Boston Online Film Critics Association
- Nominated for Best First Feature by the Independent Spirit Awards
Download/Streaming Availability:
Booksmart is available for digital download and streaming on various platforms, including:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Google Play
- Apple TV
- Vudu
- Blu-ray/DVD
Check your preferred streaming platform or digital storefront for availability based on your region.
