As You Are

As You Are, directed by Miles Joris-Peyrafitte and released in 2016, embraces the universal challenges of adolescence, friendship, identity and the transformative power of shared secrets against the backdrop of the fragmented society of the 1990s in the United States.

The movie stars Owen Campbell, Charlie Heaton, and Amandla Stenberg; three young, gifted actors who effectively lend their skills to the complex and beautifully layered narrative of the story. Campbell plays Jack, a quiet and introverted teenager outside the fringes of the popular crowd, but content in his solitude. Heaton, known for his role in the acclaimed series, Stranger Things, contributes his compelling screen presence to the role of Mark, a newcomer in town carrying his fair share of emotional baggage. Stenberg, seen in various popular teenage movies, plays Sarah, an enigmatic yet charismatic girl with her own secret to keep.

Set in a small town in upstate New York, the movie unfolds when Jack and his single mother, Karen, befriend Mark and his father, Tom, injecting fresh dynamics into their lives. Mark melds effortlessly into Jack's world, and a strong friendship blossoms between the two. Their bond becomes even more intricate and compelling with the addition of Sarah to their close-knit circle. Consequently, a profound exploration of their individual and shared life experiences unfurls, evoking a rich tapestry of emotions from love, doubt, excitement and tension.

As You Are deftly captures the underlying social dynamics of the 90s, characterized by grunge music, reduced censorship, and shifting cultural norms. It encapsulates the struggles associated with discovering one's identity, coupled with the pressure of social acceptance in the delicate years of adolescence. It is a narrative that veers away from the stereotypes of its time, offering a bold and poignant representation of young people's lives and their burgeoning relationships in an era ridden with societal and personal tumult.

Amidst a landscape largely disillusioned with the societal norms of the day, the central characters navigate through their shared realities, underscored with potent undertones of familial discord and personal tensions. Jack, Mark, and Sarah — each entangled in their individual predicaments — find solace in their unique friendship, only to be further wedged into an emotional precipice by unexpected events.

One of the strengths of the film lies in its narrative structure, spiralling back and forth between flashbacks and a police investigation. Director Joris-Peyrafitte masterfully explores themes of memory, manipulation and subjectivity, leaving the audience grappling with varying shades of what might be the truth. This storytelling method bolsters the movie's emotional punch, adding a layer of suspense that tugs the viewer deeper into the lives of the three teenagers.

The script, co-written by Joris-Peyrafitte and Madison Harrison, successfully infuses the film with emotionally gripping monologues and nuanced dialogues. They have brilliantly crafted an intricate plot marked by deep emotional resonance, transcending the barriers of time to address contemporary audiences with its ever-relevant themes of identity, friendship, and self-discovery.

The on-screen chemistry between the three main characters is palpable. The performances render a sense of raw authenticity that reverberates with audiences, creating a climate of intimacy that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

Visually, the movie offers an immersive cinematic experience with vigorous attention to detail. The director captures a stark mid-winter landscape, with desolate expanses and cold hues setting a palpable atmosphere that mirrors the internal worlds of its characters. The stunning cinematography, combined with the haunting score, enhances the tones of mystery, ambiguity and somber reflection that pervades the film.

As You Are is a film that bravely delves into the complexities of adolescence — a time fraught with introspection, experimentation, failures, and triumphs. The movie's glamour lies not in grandiosity, but in the raw and insightful dramatization of young lives at the cusp of adulthood, grappling with self-discovery and societal expectations. It is a touching, thought-provoking portrait of the fragility of youth and the bittersweet consequences of innocence lost. It is a film that marks a journey, not just of its characters, but any individual who has ever experienced the chaos, tenderness, and desolation of growing up.