Big Time Adolescence

Big Time Adolescence is a captivating and insightful coming-of-age movie that was released in 2019. Starring Griffin Gluck, Larry John Meyers, Michael Devine and Pete Davidson, the film dissects the ineffable bond of friendship, the ups and downs of growing up, and the inevitable complications that come with adolescent life. Directed by Jason Orley, a new voice in the world of indie dramedy, the movie is a great portrayal of maturity, teenage recklessness, and adult responsibility or lack thereof.

Griffin Gluck, whose remarkable performances in other productions have established him as a young actor to watch, delivers a strong performance as Mo, a suburban high-schooler who looks up to his sister’s somewhat irresponsible ex-boyfriend, Zeke, played by Pete Davidson. Zeke is in his mid-twenties and has stagnated in a kind of permanent adolescence, still living an aimless life of parties and pranks.

At first, their friendship seems to be something of a boon for the younger boy. Mo is pretty thrilled at the freedom and fun Zeke introduces into his life, which previously had been fairly orderly and boring. However, it doesn't take long to see that Zeke's unending lust for shirking responsibilities isn’t something to be idolized or followed. He's the id in human form, living for short-term gratification without any regard for long-term consequences, a lifestyle he's more than willing to introduce Mo to.

The film continues to explore this unusual friendship between a young boy and his irresponsible adult friend. Although at first these attachment may seem fun, the story gradually reveals its pitfalls. With Zeke’s influence, Mo begins to tread on a path of rowdiness and defiance against his parents' wishes, sowing the seeds for conflict and heartache.

Cinematography plays a noteworthy role in the film, with the lens capturing the subtlety of non-spoken emotions through fantastic close-ups and landscape shots. The dialogue is well-written with a blend of humor and raw emotional communication that brings authenticity to the characters. There’s a rhythm to the film which fits perfectly with the mood it wants to depict; a lazy suburban lifestyle where dreams are stalled, and ambitions are a fanciful luxury.

Big Time Adolescence also captures the essence of friendship and illustrates how it can sometimes push boundaries into unsafe zones. Through Zeke, there's a poignant portrayal of the emptiness of prolonged adolescence and the perils of making poor life choices. Zeke might seem like a fun, laid-back directionless adult, but eventually, the film conveys the hollowness of a life without purpose or goals.

Davidson’s portrayal of Zeke is commendable. He owns the character from the first scene, bringing a character who is an emblem of his own persona - a lovable loser who seems to have lost the path to adulthood. His performance boasts a mixture of charm, confusion, and poignant irrelevance that makes his character humorous, yet tragic at the same time. Gluck, on the other hand, portrays Mo with subtlety, who's drawn into the wild, not entirely understanding the essence of maturity and the real world.

The film leverages on the chemistry between its two lead actors. Gluck and Davidson deliver a believable bond that, even in its dysfunction, understands and respects each other's growing pains. Larry John Meyers and Michael Devine keep the audience engaged with their admirable performances.

Summarily, Big Time Adolescence is a fifteen-year-old's ascent into adulthood, guided by an inappropriate mentor. It’s about the simplicity of youth, the complexities of maturity, and the blurred lines in between. In totality, this film unfolds like the bittersweet journey it means to portray - a melancholic blend of comedy, drama, and unforgiving life lessons.

Perhaps one of the movie’s most significant achievements is its relatability as it serves us reminders of our own past mistakes, friendships, and rites of passage. It might drive you to introspection about your life choices and the mentors you chose along your journey to adulthood. It is a film that will make you laugh, cringe, and perhaps, even weep a little - much like a typical ride into adulthood. All in all, Big Time Adolescence is a film that does justice to the messy, but meaningful process of growing up.