Never Goin' Back

Released in 2018, Never Goin’ Back is a raucous, riotous roller coaster ride of a film that showcases the transformative power of friendship. Starring Maia Mitchell, Camila Morrone, and Liz Cardenas, this boisterous comedy-drama is evidence that youth, freedom, and the bonds of companionship can lead to both chaos and growth.

At the heart of Never Goin' Back are Angela (Maia Mitchell) and Jessie (Camila Morrone), two inseparable high school dropouts living in a rundown suburb of Fort Worth, Texas. Their tempestuous friendship is the crux of the narrative, providing an anchor amidst their sometimes chaotic and always unpredictable lives. The palpable on-screen chemistry between Mitchell and Morrone enhances the portrayal of these unapologetic, fun-loving characters. Their camaraderie bursts forth through the screen, drawing the audience into the whirlwind of their lives. Liz Cardenas impressively ups the comic ante with her character, lending support to the magnetic leads.

The film opens with Angela and Jessie working as servers at a local diner to pay the rent. They're just scraping by, living a life consumed by low-paying jobs and facing the unpredictability of their financial situation. However, they dream of escaping their dreary existence, if only for a while. Their modest dream is to spend their shared birthday on a tranquil beach trip, a small break from their chaotic life, and they carefully squirrel away their slim earnings to make this dream come true.

Despite living on the fringes of society, the pair live their lives with vibrancy and enthusiasm, inciting fits of laughter with their hilarious antics and unwavering sense of humor. They're unyieldingly optimistic, unfazed by the turmoil around them, keen on pursuing their dreams despite the odds. Their nonchalant approach towards life in the face of despair fosters an inspiring narrative of resilience that resonates with the audience.

Written and directed by Augustine Frizzell, Never Goin' Back paints a vivid picture of rebellious youth. Frizzell does not shrink from showing the gritty realities, creating characters who are flawed but fiercely vibrant. Additionally, her vivid characterization and confident storytelling vision infuse a sense of authenticity into the narrative, making the characters funnier, relatable, and more lifelike.

The film's pacing is critical to its success. As Angela and Jessie's plans continually go awry in increasingly absurd ways, the momentum accelerates, with Frizzell ensuring the tension never dips. Frizzell brilliantly escalates the comedy but balances it with moments of poignant honesty, striking a delicate balance between unbridled laughter and heartfelt empathy.

The vibrant cinematography adds a distinctive visual appeal to the film. There's a gritty realism to the Texas suburbs' depiction, and the film employs a rich, sun-soaked palette to counterbalance the griminess of the girls' world. Each shot is carefully composed to amplify the narrative's comedic or dramatic tones, enhancing the story's overall impact.

On the thematic front, Never Goin’ Back explores the themes of friendship, dreams, resilience, freedom, and maturation. It exposes the raw, unembellished reality of teenage life on the fringes and sends a compelling message about the power of friendship and dreams.

It's worth noting that Never Goin' Back doesn't shy away from profanity, crude humor, and mature content. The film might not suit audiences sensitive to such elements, but those open to a raunchy, chaotic comedy will revel in the jocularity of it all. It's an ode to the reckless abandon of youth, celebrating hilarious mishaps and carefree existence with unabashed enthusiasm.

In summary, Never Goin' Back is a wild and chaotic joyride replete with raunchy comedy, heartwarming friendships, and the honest portrayal of life on the fringes. Powered by engaging performances from Maia Mitchell, Camila Morrone, and Liz Cardenas, the film is a fascinating and hilarious look at the ups and downs of teenage life. For those who appreciate films that balance humor with emotional depth and appreciate stories that feature well-rounded, developed female characters at their core, Never Goin’ Back is an undoubted must-watch.