Being Awesome

Being Awesome is an indie drama-comedy film released in 2014, remarking on the troubles and tribulations of post high school life, the struggle for acceptance, and the pursuit of happiness amidst gathering storm clouds of adulthood. Directed by Allen C. Gardner, it stars Drew Smith and Gardner himself in the primary roles, with Hayden Blane in a supporting role.

The film revolves around two ordinary individuals, Teddy (played by Drew Smith) and Lloyd (played by Allen C. Gardner), who are going through a transitional phase in their lives. The two school acquaintances reconnect at their 10-year high school reunion and find that, notwithstanding their differences, they share common ground in feeling dissatisfied with the direction their lives have taken.

Teddy is an introverted, self-proclaimed nerd with a penchant for classic literature not leading the life he expected, while Lloyd is outgoing, a jock and a ladies-man, but is at a minimalist job, a far cry from his high school popularity and sporting prowess. As they navigate the ten-year reunion, they begin to reflect on their own personal ruts, realised ambitions, and missed opportunities since high school.

In a bold move to challenge their dissatisfaction, the two embark on a journey of self-improvement and personal growth that epitomizes the central theme of the movie: the struggle to redefine oneself and to break free of societal expectations. Among other things, this involves reckoning with past traumas, redefining life goals and values, and grappling with their notions of fulfillment, all the while treading the tightrope of holding onto their friendship.

With passionate performances by the lead actors, the movie captures raw emotions and life hardships that are poignantly identifiable. Drew Smith delivers commendable acting as the introverted Teddy, who is wrestling internally with his identity in the grand schematic of life. Allen C. Gardner skillfully brings his role to life, portraying a convincingly troubled jock who's striving to keep his existential angst at bay.

Hayden Blane provides significant support in a critical role, bolstering the characters' emotional landscape with illustrations of empathy, understanding, and compassion, demonstrating essential dimensions of the human struggle inherent in the other characters. Her interactions with both Teddy and Lloyd prop up the narrative and add depth to their character arcs, creating myriad opportunities for audience investment in their lives.

The reunion offers us a surprising portal into the lives of these two characters and their journey from there, painting a tableau vivant of trials, errors, friendship, forgiveness, and the ultimate promise of self-improvement and personal growth. The narrative is rooted in reality, making it powerfully relatable for the audience. Being Awesome takes us through a remarkable journey where the audience cannot help but empathize with the characters, making it an unforgettable and slightly nostalgic progression of life.

Being Awesome is marked by a rich blend of drama and comedy, perfectly intermingled in order to depict life's realities with a tinge of light-heartedness. Through well-crafted scripting, engaging cinematography, and dedicated performances, the film draws its audience into the heart of the story. The film also offers a considerable amount of introspection, urging viewers to evaluate their own lives along with the characters.

Deftly walking the thin line between being uplifting without veering into the realm of sentimentality, Being Awesome presents an earnest and heartwarming tale encapsulating the timeless themes of self-discovery and personal growth. It's an observational piece, reflecting the inescapable reality of growing older, the fear of not achieving what we set out to, and the ever-prevailing human spirit to improve and aim higher.

Laced with humor, drama, and a healthy dose of realism, Being Awesome is a thought-provoking exploration of friendship, self-discovery and the unwavering human spirit, offering viewers an emotionally resonant experience. A nostalgic, poignant and heartwarming film, Being Awesome is a testament to the vicissitudes of life, underscored by the timeless quest for peace with oneself amidst the constantly changing landscapes of adulthood.