Academy Award nominees Hailee Steinfeld and Woody Harrelson deliver phenomenal performances in this expertly directed, sharply scripted, topical, coming-of-age dramedy. The film deals with the mental toll of grief and the weight of unrealized mental illness.
Nadine, played by Hailee Steinfeld, is not always a likeable lead character but is not required to be. Having a main character that often has questionable thoughts and makes questionable decisions plays into the film's theme of how imperfect, messy, yet dynamic we are as individuals.
Nadine views the world in an often limited and romanticized albeit relatable way, almost as if life for her is a movie full of tropes and stock characters. There’s even a particular scene where she admits an action she took was done in part because she thought it would playout, "like in the movies.” Much of Nadine's character growth is in her accepting her imperfect self and in her letting go of her preconceived notions of people.
Woody Harrelson, who plays Nadine's English teacher Mr. Bruner, acts as calm presence that compliments Hailee Steinfeld's manicness. He is an effective mixture of charming and crass.
Director Kelly Freemon Craig, who also scripted the film, skillfully reveals unexpected aspects of each of the supporting characters when it best dramatically serves the narrative. The humor is organic, often dark, and executed as masterfully as the drama.
‘The Edge of Seventeen’ is a cinematic gem of award worthy proportions. The film is a funny, emotional, and poignant modern coming of age tale. James L Brooks produces this modern masterpiece which is one of the best films of 2016 despite being an all-around Oscar snub.
MY RATING 4.75/5
Check out "The Edge of Seventeen' as well as many other brilliant films directed by women available at The Brown Deer Public Library.
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