THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN

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THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN

January 4, 2017

Director / Kelly Fremon Craig (Feature Film Debut)
Stars / Hailee Steinfeld, Blake Jenner, Woody Harrelson, Haley Lu Richardson

There are quite a number of growing pains that come with being a teenager. Fortunately, THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN, a bittersweet comedy/drama about some of those growing pains for one particular 17 year old, is anything but painful to watch.

The film begins with Nadine (Steinfeld) bursting into a classroom and advising a school teacher of what she plans to do next. Let’s just say these plans are not to be taken lightly. So what it is that has led to this decisive moment for Nadine?

Nadine isn’t exactly popular at school. The only popularity she knows, is that of being victim to exclusion and bullying. With the exception of her best friend, Krista (Richardson), whom she has built a meaningful friendship with over the years. But their friendship faces the ultimate test when Krista announces to Nadine that she fancies her hunky brother, Darian (Jenner).

As though the pages of this script were taken right from the personal diary of your ordinary adolescent, THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN is a film that every person who has passed or reached that challenging age will no doubt relate to, one way or another. Whether it be blatantly obvious mistakes made, painfully embarrassing scenarios that will never be forgot or just saying the terribly awkward that can never be unsaid, THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN captures them all with stark realism.

What truly reels in the affection for this very solid debut film from writer/director Kelly Fremon Craig is the characterisation and the soulfulness & humour of her writing. All of the characters are beautifully imperfect, making them genuine creations that are easy to feel empathy for while also wanting the best possible outcome for each of them. A couple of stand-outs go to Nadine’s rather unconventional interactions and exchanges of dialogue with her history teacher (played by a well-utilised Woody Harrelson) and the diverse & hugely engaging acting work from the super talented Hailee Steinfeld. This Golden-Globe nominated performance is high above the norm you tend to see in this type of film.

4 stars