Colossal Youth

Colossal Youth is a captivating film made in 2018 that skillfully blends elements of drama, comedy, and romance into a compelling high school narrative. This heartwarming story is driven by passionate performances from Troy Osterberg, Kimmy Caruso, and Riker Lynch, each bringing their own unique spark to create multilayered characters with authentic depth and personality.

The film mainly revolves around the character of Ryder Jensen, gracefully portrayed by Troy Osterberg. Ryder is a charismatic high school senior navigating through the complexities of teenage life. Osterberg expertly captures the duality of Ryder’s life as he teeters between playing the role of popular jock at his school and tackling the difficulties that come from his troubled home life. Every laugh, every frown, every sigh of Osterberg's performance breathes life into Ryder, presenting a character that is as relatable as he is fascinating.

Kimmy Caruso plays Sierra, the second primary character of the film. Sierra is a standout, unique character in her own right with a dyed red hair as fiery as her personality. Caruso delivers a nuanced performance that beautifully balances Sierra's strength and vulnerability, ultimately creating a character that leaves a lasting impression and adds a wonderful dynamic to the film. Sierra proves to be a grounding and positive influence for Ryder, a solid rock in his chaotic world.

Riker Lynch, known for his work with the music group R5, takes on the role of Gregg. Lynch's expertise in playing a slick and smooth character is unmatched. He brings a complexity to Gregg, making him much more than just the typical jock we’ve come to expect from high school dramas. Gregg's charismatic presence, infused with undercurrents of humor and intense emotion, brings an added flair to the narrative that is both engaging and entertaining.

Directed by R. Scott Leisk, the film uses an impressive high school setting as the backdrop, capturing the vibrancy, trials, and tribulations of adolescence. Rich in its variety of characters, the film provides a realistic view of the dramatic highs and lows teenagers face from every walk of life, creating a balanced perspective of the youth experience. Leisk’s masterful direction and the film’s incredible performances go hand-in-hand to depict the turbulent rollercoaster of emotions that come with navigating teen romance, friendship, and self-discovery.

The film's soundtrack complements the narrative perfectly, enhancing the drama, romance, and comedy, and at the same time creating an immersive experience that strongly resonates with a teenage audience. From somber piano melodies that underscore the film’s more emotional moments to upbeat tracks that perfectly encapsulate the excitement and unpredictability of youth, the music selection nurtures and advances the narrative beautifully.

Moreover, the writing of the script places a significant emphasis on the dialogue, expertly crafted to reveal the nuances of each character. There’s a natural feel to the conversations, a rapport established that reflects the thoughts, values, and aspirations of contemporary youth, resulting in an extraordinarily relatable viewing experience.

In all, Colossal Youth succeeds in creating an engaging narrative that examines adolescence with a fresh perspective. It doesn't shy away from the harsh realities that teenagers face in their daily lives while keeping the spirit of youthful exuberance alive. With well-rounded characters, a compelling narrative, and some brilliant performances from its young cast, this 2018 film manages to strike an emotional chord. It carries viewers back to the age of youthful potencies and vulnerabilities, making it a worthy watch for audiences of all ages that want to get a taste of what resilient, animated, and bright young lives look like.