Booksmart Movie Review: Olivia Wilde’s Directorial Debut Will Make You Long For Your School Days

Were you a nerd in your school days or preferred living in your own la la land? How many of us would give anything to go back in time and relish those fond memories of high school over and over again? The days when becoming an adult was a dream and living life on our terms was the only big accomplishment we craved for. And until some Tony Stark from another multiverse invents the time machine, Olivia Wilde's latest offering, Booksmart, will help you revisit those memories and cherish your so-called young and happy days. Aladdin Movie Review: Guy Ritchie's Direction Takes A 'Riff Raff' Approach Towards The New Prince Of Ababwa But Will Smith As Genie Is A Compelling Swagster!

Olivia's directorial debut revolves around two best friends, Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever). They are overachievers who can never do anything wrong. They are happy-go-lucky geeks who would rather spend Saturdays with their set of books than go out partying with their cool classmates. Yet, they aren't socially awkward and have no qualms in calling spade a spade. They are clear in their head and their bookish devotion of so many years has helped them bag seats in Yale and Columbia respectively. However, their world turns upside down when they realise the "cool kids" of their batch have also received a calling letter from Google and Harvard. They are shattered to realise that their sacrifices didn't yield them any different results from their peers and they had to hold back their temptations for simply nothing. However, now they are determined to make the most of their school life in one BIG night. Now, how these girls plan to spend their last night before graduation is what forms the remaining part of this funny narrative.

Molly and Amy's world is filled with good looking girls, hot guys, some nerds and some weirdos. It's a classical high-school set up with some minor changes. Here the protagonists aren't trying to fit in the cool group but are happy in their own space. It's a refreshing approach to teenagers' lives with a powerful message that 'books don't always guarantee you any success and sometimes it's okay to be fun and cut yourself some slack.'

The movie destroys too many stereotypical notions and that works in its favour. The approach is progressive and the way Amy's sexual inclinations are treated with so much normalcy proves it just right. She's gay who's trying to woo a skater girl Ryan (Victoria Ruesga). However, she's unsure about the latter's sexual preferences and the scene where she realises her crush is, in fact, straight and in love with the guy that her best friend (Molly) loves is so maturely handled. Your first heartbreak can be very brutal and agonising. Kaitlyn as Amy did a fine job in conveying just the right emotions and the scene where she wages a war of words against her own best friend, Molly, is to watch out for.

Beanie and Kaitlyn are the heroes of this teenage drama. Their chemistry is outstanding and if there's a better word for that, then pick it. The girls were perfectly cast to play these best friends who are emotionally so well connected. They aren't those the stereotypical bookworms with high-power glasses and low confidence who get lost when they enter the world of their 'cool and rich' classmates. Beanie especially is the girl who encourages her bestie for everything. Yea, she can be a bully at times but in a set of best friends, there's always a girl who's mentally stronger and the other who perfectly compliments, right?

The director didn't hesitate to include some eyebrow-raising instances such as the girls watching porn in a cab for the very first time or Amy narrating how she uses her stuff toy to masturbate. They are funny and loaded with humour with no scope for discomfort. And honestly, it will remind you of all the similar discussions you ever had with your BFF. See, this is exactly where the movie works like a wonder. It's filled with such nostalgic moments that help you get a big broad smile on your face and even make you miss your batchmates. Also, the editor has ensured the movie it crisp and short with a runtime of just 1 hour and 42 minutes. There are no long, unwanted scenes that make you feel it's dragged.

On the downside, however, the storyline lacks some reality check. Yes, there's an option of cinematic liberty and that goes hand-in-hand with every project nowadays. Yet, the scene where Molly helps Amy get out of the prison is unrealistic. It WON'T ever happen in the real world. Trading some information to get your bestie out of jail is possible, yes, but that takes time and not a couple of minutes as shown in the film. Also, the background score can be tiresome at times. It's loud, harsh and unfitting for the situation.

Performances

It's Beanie and Kaitlyn's show all the way. The movie rests on their able shoulders and they are able to bear its heavy weight. Imagine a movie revolving around two simple girls with no male character? Yes, it's possible in Hollywood. And Bollywood is still a bit sexist when it comes to appreciating movies that lack any 'herogiri'. The girls are amazing and so relaxed in their characters. Beanie especially deserves a round of applause for being so confident in her own skin. Curves are the next big thing to witness and y'all better be ready to embrace it.

The supporting cast including Skyler Gisondo as Jared, Billie Catherine Lourd as Gigi, Diana Silvers as Hope, Molly Gordon as Triple A, Jessica Willaims as Mrs Fine, Mason Gooding as Nick and Lisa Kudrow as Amy's mother are equally fabulous. They provide able support to Beanie and Kaitlyn's characters and surprisingly, they never give you a chance to hate them. And you will, in fact, find yourself rooting for them all the time.

Yay!

Beanie Feldstein

Kaitlyn Dever

Olivia Wilde's direction

Progressive approach

Nay!

Some things are far-fetched

Background score

Final Thoughts

Booksmart shouldn't be missed. Teenagers should watch it to understand what's life all about. And as for elders, we can have a trip down the memory lane. It's easily a one-time watch and something that you won't regret.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 29, 2019 09:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).