Almost Adults

Almost Adults is a heartwarming, comedic, and relatable 2016 coming-of-age film directed by Sarah Rotella. The film boasts an ensemble cast led by Natasha Negovanlis and Elise Bauman, with performances from Justin Gerhard, Winny Clarke, and Mark Matechuk, amongst others. The movie radiates a charm that resonates with audiences, particularly those in the age group trying to find their footing in this tricky journey called adulthood.

At its core, Almost Adults is about friendship, personal discovery, navigating relationships, and the trials of life. The narrative primarily revolves around Mackenzie (Elise Bauman) and Cassie (Natasha Negovanlis), best friends who are about to graduate from college. The main plot is infused with light-hearted humor and portrayed with a dollop of grace, reflecting on the actions and thoughts of young people transitioning into adulthood while ensuring that much-needed lightness of touch.

As Mackenzie starts exploring her newfound sexual preference, there is a seek of acceptance working as an undercurrent. Simultaneously, Cassie is trying to move on from a long-term relationship and find her footing as an independent individual, leading her to question her life decisions, anxieties, and fears. In Almost Adults, the plot is not just a display of Cassie's and Mackenzie's life events; instead, it's rooted in their growth, their development, and their journey more captivatingly.

Throughout the movie, Natasha Negovanlis shines as Cassie, who is lively, spontaneous, and unpredictable, navigating the undercurrents of her emotional situations with raw vulnerability. On the other side, Elise Bauman honestly portrays Mackenzie with an endearing earnestness, compassion, and strength which forms the backbone of the movie. Both the actors, with their impeccable chemistry, uplift every scene they appear in together, capturing the essence, camaraderie, and layered dynamics of a close-knit friendship.

Other notable characters include Levi (Justin Gerhard), who provides comic relief while being an encouraging friend, and Kate (Winny Clarke), who finds herself drawn between her strong friendship with Mackenzie and her feelings for Cassie. All characters in the film carry a sub-plot of their own, further enriching the movie's main narrative and making it an enjoyable watch.

Almost Adults is set against the backdrop of vibrant college life, with a majority of the scenes taking place at the university and their homes. The film captures the aesthetics and authenticity of urban life, adding a layer of realism. Also, the dialogues are sharp and witty, encapsulating the charming innocence and brutal sincerity that young people often display.

Director Sarah Rotella does an exemplary job of handling the storyline, sensitively dealing with the themes of identity, acceptance, and the intricacies of human relationships. The screenwriter Adrianna DiLonardo's humor laden script does justice to the emotional dynamics of characters, without taking a preachy tone or rushing the narrative. Above all, the film maintains a perfect balance between humor, drama, and emotion, making it a delightful cinematic experience.

The movie's production design, cinematography, and background music beautifully accentuate the essence and emotion of every scene. The usage of bright and cheerful ambience enhances the vibrant and young feel that the movie aims to reflect. The narrative's pace is measured, allowing better insight into each character's life, expressions, and feelings without seeming rushed or stretched.

The film is not just a comedy or a drama; it is more than that. It is a heartfelt friendship journey that captures life's complications through humor and authenticity. It explores significant issues like sexual orientation, break-ups, independence, societal norms and pressures, personal growth, and most importantly, the bond of friendship.

Almost Adults is perfect for a younger audience who are themselves learning to navigate life's complexities and uncertainties. However, it is also an enjoyable watch for adults who wish to take a trip down the memory lane and get a dose of light-hearted family comedy-drama. The movie, with its simple yet impactful narrative and natural performances, is sure to engross viewers, leaving them with a warm, fuzzy feeling well after the credits roll.