Moxie

Moxie is an invigorating, coming-of-age comedy-drama film released in 2021. Directed by Amy Poehler from an engaging screenplay by Tamara Chestna and Dylan Meyer, the movie successfully navigates the tricky social landscape of high school drama while introducing an empowering feminist narrative. With promising young actress Hadley Robinson playing the lead role, alongside stellar performances by Lauren Tsai and Alycia Pascual-Pena, the film challenges age-old established norms with sparkling wit and interesting dynamics.

The film revolves around Vivian (Hadley Robinson), a shy 16-year-old, who's typically content with her low-profile life at Rockport High till she gets an unusual wake-up call into activism. Dismayed by the school's ingrained sexist culture and inspired by her single mother's (Amy Poehler) rebellious past, Vivian decides to take on the patriarchal status quo of her Texas high school.

After witnessing the incessant sexual harassment faced by new student Lucy (Alycia Pascual-Pena) and the school’s list that objectifies girls based on their physical attributes, Vivian gets motivated to make a monumental change. Driven by her newfound courage, she secretly starts an anonymous zine called 'Moxie' to expose and challenge the issues deeply rooted in her educational institution. The zine quickly goes viral among the female student population, sparking a feminist movement inside the school.

Silent by nature, Vivian eventually finds her courage and voice through 'Moxie.' Her journey from being an introverted wallflower to spearheading a school rebellion forms the backbone of the plot. It is interesting to see Vivian navigate through these formative years of her life, learning to express herself, stand up against unfairness, and strive to effect change.

Lauren Tsai plays the role of Claudia, Vivian's lifelong best friend. She is a high-achieving, rule-following student who initially has trouble reconciling with the social uprising. Her struggles to balance her cultural expectations and desire to support her friend add another nuanced layer to this narrative.

Alycia Pascual-Pena is charismatic as Lucy, the unapologetic new student who refuses to be silenced. Lucy’s fearless confrontation of the heinous school atmosphere and her spirit inspires Vivian to relentlessly pursue her Moxie mission. The contrast between Lucy's outspokenness and Vivian's reserved nature further adds to the depth of these characters and this important story.

Amy Poehler not only directs Moxie but also portrays Vivian's mother, a former riot grrrl who helps inform Vivian's feminist awakening. Her supportive and understanding character is an instrumental influence on Vivian’s transformation, providing an authentic representation of a modern, progressive parent navigating the waters of high school politics with their child.

Towards the supporting cast, Nico Hiraga stands out as Seth, the charming skater-slash-ally who shows his support for Vivian's cause from early on and Patrick Schwarzenegger impresses as Mitchell, the school's popular sports jock who is center to the sexist culture that 'Moxie' tackles.

"Moxie" carries a powerful message of solidarity and empowerment, encouraging young women to defy the system holding them back. It helps fuel the ongoing conversation about consent, gender bias, and equality, with a touching exploration of female friendships, mother-daughter relationships, and even blooming high-school romance. The movie embodies its title perfectly, showcasing the coming together of a group of high school girls with moxie, determined to shake up their world.

While the film houses a spirited narrative, it equally demonstrates the reality of resistance, the dilemma faced by teenagers when they try to stand up against the established norms and the haven’t-quite-finished-baking quality of teenage rebelliousness. The movie strikes a great balance between being fun and insightful, ultimately making viewers root for its characters, their cause, and their journey.

"Moxie" wonderfully blends entertainment and a socially-conscious narrative. It boldly steps into territories where not many teen-centric films dare to venture, making sure that its message about fighting against gender-based discrimination isn't directionless, but direct, and hard-hitting. The outcome is an essential, compelling piece that is likely to resonate with viewers.