Seven Minutes in Heaven

Seven Minutes in Heaven, released in 1986, is an understated yet impactful combination of comedy, drama, and romance genres woven into an expertly crafted narrative. The film beautifully illustrates the challenges, discoveries, and harsh realities that come with the transitional phase of teenage life.

Jennifer Connelly, Byron Thames and Maddie Corman lead the cast in this memorable coming-of-age story. This film stands as a testament to Connelly's versatility and early potential, as she delivers a heartfelt performance far removed from her later roles in more dramatic ventures.

Connelly portrays Natalie Becker, a high school teenager navigating the tumultuous world of adolescence. Her comfortable and seemingly ordinary life is thrown into confusion when her photographer father accepts an assignment overseas, leaving Natalie alone with only her two best friends for support. Byron Thames plays Jeff Moran, Natalie's introverted and thoughtful next-door neighbor and best friend, while Maddie Corman portrays the lively and incorrigible Polly Franklin swept up in her fantasies of fame and stardom.

Seizing the opportunity provided by her father's absence, Natalie allows Jeff, who's having family issues, to move in with her albeit platonic, setting the stage for an exploration of complex and powerful feelings that neither of them was prepared to face.

Seven Minutes in Heaven portrays a heartwarming journey, exploring the themes of friendship, love, maturity, and the severe complexities that arise when these lines blur. The comedy found throughout the film is a light-hearted counterbalance against the intense themes, grounding the characters and making them more approachable and relatable for the audience.

The film's title, "Seven Minutes in Heaven," is an insightful representation of the narrative's focus. A popular teenage party game, it symbolizes the uncertainty, anticipation, and surprise that come with being thrust suddenly into an unfamiliar situation, just like the game, a setting in a closet, where two people are expected to know what to do and how to act for seven minutes. It subtly exemplifies the struggles encountered in the most transformative years of life.

Jennifer Connelly, early in her career, seals the performance with her sublime acting skills. Her portrayal of Natalie is heartfelt and earnest, a character who steps out of her comfort zone and ventures into an unfamiliar territory of emotions. Byron Thames provides a nuanced performance as Jeff, enacting the trials and tribulations of a thoughtful young man grappling with his feelings for his best friend. Maddie Corman is delightful in her role as Polly, offering comic relief throughout, all the while capturing the neurotic energy of her character's ambitious dreams.

Director Linda Feferman did an excellent job of crafting an engaging narrative that still resonates today. She captures both the aesthetic and the zeitgeist of the mid-80s while treating the themes with the utmost respect and sensitivity. Additionally, cinematically, the film is a pleasure to watch, with competent cinematography and thoughtfully-managed staging.

Ultimately, Seven Minutes in Heaven delivers a candid and entertaining snapshot of adolescent life, bolstered by memorable performances and nuanced characters. Though rooted firmly in the culture of the 1980s, the film's themes are timeless, and it remains as engaging and enjoyable now as it was when it first released. The light-hearted moments complement the deep exploration of adolescent sentiments, managing to strike a harmonious balance between humor, drama, and romance. An underrated gem, this film from 1986 is worth revisiting or discovering for anyone who appreciates insightful, coming-of-age storytelling.