Adolescence(2018) || A Heart-wrenching Coming Of Age Story

It's traumatic to live in a home where your parents fight almost every day. I was feeling blue today, so I decided to let loose on TikTok. My For You Page (FYP) is literally all about movie recommendations, so when I came across a movie recommendation video, I decided to check the film out for myself. I was almost deterred from watching it because of its genre – drama/romance – but its low lighting and emotional tone drew me in from the start and boosted my interest.

Synopsis

Adam (Mickey River) is a quiet, artistic teenager growing up in a dysfunctional home. His life takes a bad turn when he meets Alice (India Eisley), a pretty and free-spirited teenager who introduces him to a world of drugs, reckless living and toxic love. Adam, who had been waiting all his life to bag a pretty girl falls deeply in love with her and even deeper into her chaotic lifestyle. His new lifestyle of doing drugs crumbles his relationships with his family and best friend Keith (Romeo Miller).

Will he be able to rediscover himself and fix those relationships?

Review and Rating

One thing about this movie is that it is an emotionally charged film and it doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of addiction and toxic relationships although I found these depictions very disturbing. I didn’t like Mickey River’s character. I felt he was too timid and vulnerable but thinking about it deep enough it must have stemmed from the kind of home he grew up in. India Eisley, on the other hand, shines as Alice. I admired her from the first introduction of her character as really portrayed the character’s pain and self-destructive tendencies with intensity and depth.

The film’s cinematography which got me glued from start,^{not my fault, I’m used to watching thrillers} effectively mirrors Adam’s emotional state. It shifts from soft, warm tones in moments of hope to dark, gritty visuals as his world gets out of control. The soundtrack also complements the film’s tone. It just immerses you into Adam’s world.

How can I forget Keith(Romeo Miller). He plays the friendship role very well. His character had me wishing for a genuine friend like him.

This film is somewhat didactic if looked beyond its surface. It does an excellent job of highlighting the dangers of addiction and codependency. It is a heart wrenching coming-of-age story that beautifully captures the highs and lows of first love and youthful recklessness. A very compelling watch.

I actually do recommend it. Not suitable for viewers under 16.

Rating: 4/5