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| Courtesy of STX |
The Edge of Seventeen is the rare mainstream film that dares to care about the life of a teenage female protagonist. Writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig illuminates the complexities of high school life, with all its contradictions, humiliations and quiet victories, by channeling them through a complex, sometimes downright unlikable protagonist named Nadine (in a revelatory performance by Hailee Steinfeld).
In the years since her father’s death, Nadine has coped by shutting out the world, including her emotionally damaged mother (Kyra Sedgwick) and seemingly perfect older brother, Darian (Blake Jenner), and focusing all her emotional attention on her best friend, Krista (Haley Lu Richardson). That changes dramatically when she discovers – in the most embarrassing way possible – that Krista and Darian have developed feelings for each other.
As she watches her one true companion come over every day to spend time with her brother instead of her, Nadine finds fewer reasons to care about life. She notices that Erwin (Hayden Szeto), a nice, awkward guy in her class, is interested in her, but she has her sights set on a dreamy blank slate named Nick (Alexander Calvert). When all these aspects of her life intersect in humiliating fashion, she turns to a seemingly burned out teacher (Woody Harrelson) for help.
Although The Edge of Seventeen doesn’t tell a unique story, Craig certainly uses the familiarity of the narrative to make audiences connect with Nadine in a powerful way. “Troubled girl with daddy issues” might be one of the most overdone clichés out there, but that doesn’t make it hurt any less when there’s real pain at the heart of that struggle. That’s where Steinfeld’s astonishing work turns this typical story into an extraordinary film.
It takes a lot of guts to go where the actress does to communicate Nadine’s desire to be loved, particularly when the character lashes out at others rather than acknowledge her own issues, but Steinfeld is downright fearless. She has already collected a host of accolades (including an Oscar nomination) for her work in True Grit, which she followed with more strong work in Begin Again and Pitch Perfect 2.
But the pain, humor and heart she brings to Nadine should solidify her as an actress to watch for years to come. It’s easily one of 2016’s best performances. This year’s Best Actress category is probably too strong for her to nab another nomination, but she certainly deserves to be in the conversation.
Harrelson also delivers remarkable work as Nadine’s seemingly caustic teacher who uses sarcasm to reach Nadine, who he considers one of his favorite students (though he would never admit it). He doesn’t have much screen time, but he takes full advantage of what he’s got.
It’s easy to lose sight of The Edge of Seventeen in the glut of high profile holiday releases, so keep an eye out for this one. Critics aren’t exaggerating when they compare it to the works of John Hughes. Teenagers will be watching it for years to come.
As she watches her one true companion come over every day to spend time with her brother instead of her, Nadine finds fewer reasons to care about life. She notices that Erwin (Hayden Szeto), a nice, awkward guy in her class, is interested in her, but she has her sights set on a dreamy blank slate named Nick (Alexander Calvert). When all these aspects of her life intersect in humiliating fashion, she turns to a seemingly burned out teacher (Woody Harrelson) for help.
Although The Edge of Seventeen doesn’t tell a unique story, Craig certainly uses the familiarity of the narrative to make audiences connect with Nadine in a powerful way. “Troubled girl with daddy issues” might be one of the most overdone clichés out there, but that doesn’t make it hurt any less when there’s real pain at the heart of that struggle. That’s where Steinfeld’s astonishing work turns this typical story into an extraordinary film.
It takes a lot of guts to go where the actress does to communicate Nadine’s desire to be loved, particularly when the character lashes out at others rather than acknowledge her own issues, but Steinfeld is downright fearless. She has already collected a host of accolades (including an Oscar nomination) for her work in True Grit, which she followed with more strong work in Begin Again and Pitch Perfect 2.
But the pain, humor and heart she brings to Nadine should solidify her as an actress to watch for years to come. It’s easily one of 2016’s best performances. This year’s Best Actress category is probably too strong for her to nab another nomination, but she certainly deserves to be in the conversation.
Harrelson also delivers remarkable work as Nadine’s seemingly caustic teacher who uses sarcasm to reach Nadine, who he considers one of his favorite students (though he would never admit it). He doesn’t have much screen time, but he takes full advantage of what he’s got.
It’s easy to lose sight of The Edge of Seventeen in the glut of high profile holiday releases, so keep an eye out for this one. Critics aren’t exaggerating when they compare it to the works of John Hughes. Teenagers will be watching it for years to come.
The Edge of Seventeen is rated R for sexual content, language and some drinking – all involving teens.
Grade: B+
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