Every generation needs a defining teen movie, and “The Edge of Seventeen” just might be the one for this generation. The icing on the cake is that it will likely appeal to older audiences, too, who will look back on their teen years with fondness, sympathy and embarrassment.
Female filmmakers have been behind some of the best teen classics — “Clueless,” “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” “Juno” and “Mean Girls.” “The Edge of Seventeen” enters their company as the directorial debut of Kelly Fremon Craig, who also wrote the screenplay.
Hailee Steinfeld stars as Nadine, a misfit who has never found her tribe — just one friend, Krista (Hayley Lu Richardson), a ray of sunshine and goodness.
But when Krista collides romantically with Darien (Blake Jenner), Nadine’s hunky older brother, it throws Nadine into a suicidal spin-out of epic proportions.
Nadine feels rootless and isolated battling her flighty mother (Kyra Sedgwick) and seemingly perfect brother. Eventually the screenplay makes clear that her self-destructive, jealous lashing out comes from a place of deep insecurity and self-loathing.
Still, there are a few bright spots in Nadine’s tornado of angst. She enjoys a sardonic rapport with a teacher, Mr. Bruner (Woody Harrelson), and their interactions make for some of the best lines. She also finds a new friend — the adorkable Erwin (Hayden Szeto), who is just about as socially awkward as Nadine. Szeto is so funny and charming that we feel as if we’re watching a star-in-the-making.
Nadine’s selfishness can be trying, but “The Edge of Seventeen” never lets her off the hook when she turns her issues into excuses and then milks them for all their worth. Her eventual redemption is well-earned.
The sharply written, potty-mouth comedy has a realistic edginess that makes the story relatable. The film is anchored by the delightful Steinfeld, whose Nadine is a high school hero for the history books.
“The Edge of Seventeen” takes teenagers seriously and meets them on their level, but it also expects the best from them — to be good people, responsible and respectful, even when the greatest of embarrassments rain down. This film invites repeated viewings.
‘The Edge of Seventeen’
3 ½ stars
Rating: R, for sexual content, language and some drinking, all involving teens
Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Woody Harrelson, Blake Jenner, Hayley Lu Richardson, Hayden Szeto, Kyra Sedgwick
Director: Kelly Fremon Craig
Running time: 1 hour, 44 minutes
