It’s silly. It’s foul. It’s nostalgic and moving. It’s also quite fittingly smart.
Booksmart follows Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) the day before their high school graduation — more specifically, the night before. The two best friends have chosen to pass up the opportunity to party with their peers over the past four years in order to focus on their academics. It is discovered that the two scholars didn’t necessarily have to make that choice and in an effort to not miss out completely, Molly convinces Amy to join her in a massive night of fun.
Olivia Wilde’s direction is top notch as she balances a large ensemble of characters and allows you the opportunity to connect with each and every one of them. Dever and Feldstein are a perfect duo with superb chemistry. Their friendship is genuinely high school and immediately reminded me of how ridiculously random and unyielding my friends and I were at that age. It takes you back instantly.
I was lucky enough to first see Booksmart at an advanced screening in mid-April. The auditorium was packed when I arrived so I ended up sitting in the second row. It was that moment when I sat down and looked up at the towering screen before me that I began to review my options. Should I stay or should I go? I reclined back in my seat and braced myself for the impending neck cramp.
It was absolutely worth it. More so, I just went to see it for a second time with some friends last weekend. And I intend to see it again in the coming week. Yes, it’s truly that good.
It’s rare that you experience an independent film in a sold out auditorium, and furthermore, a film that has the ability to connect an audience beyond contagious laughter. Gather your friends, your siblings, your acquaintances, and take a trip to your nearest cinema to experience this film with a crowd. Support independent film. The picture deserves it, and you do to.
