Booksmart (2019): A Coming-of-Age Tale That is Hilarious and Heartfelt

Booksmart is a coming-of-age film about two best friends, Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever), who are about to graduate high school and realize that they’ve spent all of their time studying and didn’t experience the wild and fun aspects of their teenage years like their classmates did. Determined to make up for lost time, they embark on a wild adventure to make up for the partying they missed.

The film is written and directed by Olivia Wilde, making her feature film directorial debut, and she knocks it out of the park with a film that is hilarious and heartfelt. The film’s humor is fresh, quirky and relatable, making it a joy to watch. The comedic chemistry between Feldstein and Dever is fantastic and their performances are top-notch. They both bring a unique energy to their characters and make it easy to root for them.

The film’s themes of friendship, growing up and acceptance are well-crafted and heartfelt. Booksmart tackles a range of issues such as gender fluidity, sexuality and friendship in a manner that is insightful and meaningful. Wilde’s direction is confident and she balances humor with heart, making it a standout film in the coming-of-age genre.

The film’s soundtrack is a standout, adding to the fun and energy of the film. It’s a mix of classic pop, indie rock, and electronic beats that perfectly capture the energy and mood of the film.