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, Will Forte, Lisa Kudrow
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 refreshing and heartfelt comedy about two high school seniors, Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever), who have spent their high school years focusing on academics and avoiding the typical teenage party scene. As graduation approaches, they realize that while their peers partied and had fun, they focused solely on their studies and academic success.
Determined to make up for lost time, Molly and Amy decide to spend one wild night before graduation experiencing everything they missed out on—going to parties, having fun, and learning to let go. However, their night quickly becomes a series of misadventures as they navigate social dynamics and try to fit in with their classmates.
The movie is a modern coming-of-age story that highlights the complexities of adolescence, the value of friendships, and the pursuit of happiness beyond academic achievements.
Themes:
- Friendship and Growth: Booksmart emphasizes the bond between Amy and Molly, exploring how their friendship evolves and grows as they confront the pressures of high school and transition into adulthood.
- Self-Discovery: The film explores how the two protagonists learn about themselves, their peers, and the world beyond their academic bubble. It challenges societal expectations of what it means to have fun and succeed.
- Subverting Teen Movie Tropes: While Booksmart has elements of the classic teen comedy genre, it stands out by focusing on female characters and flipping traditional high school stereotypes, offering a more inclusive and progressive perspective.
Reception:
Booksmart was met with critical acclaim for its witty script, hilarious performances, and Olivia Wilde’s direction. The film was praised for being a fresh, female-led take on the coming-of-age genre, particularly for its portrayal of a deep, supportive friendship between two young women. Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein were widely praised for their performances, which earned them recognition in multiple award ceremonies.
Although Booksmart did not have a huge box office performance, it gained a strong following post-theatrical release, becoming a cult hit, especially for its empowering and inclusive messages. It was compared favorably to teen comedies like Superbad, but with a modern, more female-focused spin.
Awards:
- Golden Globe Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
- Independent Spirit Award: Best First Feature
- Boston Online Film Critics Association Award: Best Ensemble Performance
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
You can check your preferred digital storefront or streaming service for availability in your region.
