Booksmart - Global Girlhoods on Screen

“Academic overachievers Amy and Molly thought keeping their noses to the grindstone gave them a leg up on their high school peers. But on the eve of graduation, the best friends suddenly realize that they may have missed out on the special moments of their teenage years. Determined to make up for lost time, the girls decide to cram four years of not-to-be missed fun into one night — a chaotic adventure that no amount of book smarts could prepare them for.”

Feedback from cinema-goers at Exeter’s Picturehouse:

“I thought it was an interesting take on the coming-of-age genre, It was able to encompass both the hard/ difficult aspects of growing up and leaving school, and the fun and exciting parts too. I found it both relatable, and surreal”
“Very positive! It really troubles the complexities, and I guess, the hypocrisies of life. Nothing is clear cut and it acknowledges that with its complete lack of judgement on its characters”
“I’m 62 and sad at how little has changed. Although we talk more about diversity in the film, the boys still seemed to have the upper hand at high school”
“Upbeat, I wish I was like that then.”

What are your thoughts? How does this film disrupt typical ‘high-school’ films? What tropes does it still adhere to?