The Edge of Seventeen

     The Edge of Seventeen is written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig and stars Hailee Steinfield (Pitch Perfect 2) and Woody Harrelson (Zombieland). It tells the story of high schooler Nadine who has to deal with the multiple problems that life throws her way, most recent of which is her best friend dating her older brother.

     Woody Harrelson stole the show as Steinfield’s sarcastic history teacher. Whereas most teachers in movies of this type would coddle the student, Harrelson’s character reacts with a wit to match the sass that Steinfield zings his way, hardly blinking in the face of her threats. But you can also tell he genuinely cares for her, adding to his character overall to become even more likable. And Steinfield herself delivers an authentic look into the life of a modern day teenager, although sometimes her dialogue felt a little too zingy.

     And that was my main problem with the movie. Although the characters and situations felt real, the way the characters spoke to each other didn’t always seem authentic. What they said felt overtly scripted and not the normal way in which humans interact. Although it felt scripted, it was still enjoyable to watch.

     Walking into this movie, I was expecting The Edge of Seventeen to be in the vein of Mean Girls. But instead I was granted with a heartfelt story about love and less, where characters were allowed to make mistakes but were able to learn from them and become stronger because of it.

When should you see it?

Wait a Week