CRSHD

The 2019 indie film CRSHD follows the story of three freshman roommates at a college in Oberlin, Ohio in the brink of their first sexually realistic summer holiday. Directed by Emily Cohn, the movie features three young, talented actresses- Isabelle Barbier, Deeksha Ketkar, and Sadie Scott. The film is a vibrant, millennial-infused dive into sexual awakening, female friendship, and the impact of social media on how a generation navigates through their passions, social relationships, and their identities.

Isabelle Barbier brings life to the role of Izzy, an endearing college freshman. Naive and sexually inexperienced, Izzy sets her sights on a sociology student who falls outside her realm of reality - the dreamy drummer, Anuka, played by Deeksha Ketkar. In contrast, Sadie Scott plays Nell, Izzy's unrestrained and adventurous roommate, who’s far more experienced in matters of love and sex.

Izzy's consciousness of her virgin status fuels her desperation to lose it before the summer break. Her friends, including Nell and their other roommate Fiona (expertly portrayed by Sadie Scott) are her cheering squad, fuelling her quest and making it their mission to help her succeed before the close of an epic dorm party known as the 'last chance dance.'

CRSHD blurs the lines between the traditional colors of comedic coming-of-age drama and quirky, boundary-pushing indie film with the exploration of the profound and the provocative. Unraveling the plot through the social media-driven culture, sexy FaceTime chats, Instagram stalking and emoji-filled text bubbles, the narrative lays out the anxieties, impractical expectations, and the often skewed notions of relationships and dating that millennials face in this era of digital intimacy.

The film expertly features the generation gap and the differing viewpoints towards romance, body consciousness and individuality, threading them through Izzy’s interactions with her mum over FaceTime. The evolving social pressures on younger generations to keep up a certain image on their social media profiles are craftily displayed, adding a layer of authenticity to the storyline.

Emily Cohn’s careful direction makes the interaction among three friends feel relatable. From the discussions about the subtleties of text message phrasing to furious googling of sex tips, Cohn evokes a sense of authenticity in a culture ridden by digital jargon. Through Izzy's eyes, the film tells a lively and endearing story of personal acceptance, exploration, and self-growth.

The spectator can almost feel Izzy's apprehensions, and root for her as she embarks upon this bold journey, cleverly intertwining with authentic humour and genuine moments. The banter among the girls, with their distinct yet complementary personalities, is captured skillfully. The traditional journey of college self-discovery is explored with a vibrant modern twist filled with social media references and fittingly awkward yet passionate moments.

As amusing as the subject matter is, the film also embraces the uncomfortable, raw essence of college life, successfully maintaining a balance between a feel-good comedy and a truthful rendering of a coming-to-age experience. The cinematography, largely done on an actual college campus, complements the narrative seamlessly, keeping the focus constantly on the leading characters’ journey.

The ups and downs of crushes, romantic escapades, failed attempts at love, and the pressure of social expectations are all illustrated with an underlining grit and realism. Cohn's vision is unapologetically bold, effectively questioning societal norms around sexuality, maidenhood and body image.

In conclusion, CRSHD is a lively exploration of college life, sexual exploration, and friendship, weaving through the maze of millennial culture in a smart, humorous, and authentic way. With committed performances from the young cast, a razor-sharp script that captures the zeitgeist of the millennial generation, and genuine heartfelt moments, CRSHD successfully sets itself apart in the realm of coming-of-age comedies. This film offers a breath of fresh air to audiences looking for a contemporary, relatable touch in their movie experiences.