Shoplifters of the World

Shoplifters of the World is a 2021 indie comedy-drama film that pays homage to the 1980s music scene while showcasing the struggles and growing pains of adolescence. Helmed by director Stephen Kijak, the movie spotlights a group of disenchanted teens grappling with personal aspirations, emotional crises, and the cultural shock of their favorite band breaking up. Boasting performances by emerging talents Helena Howard, Ellar Coltrane, and Elena Kampouris, along with an unforgettable soundtrack, the film is a love letter to the legendary English rock band, the Smiths.

Set in Denver in 1987, Shoplifters of the World revolves around the efforts of four fervent fans of the Smiths, struggling to come to terms with the sudden disbanding of their favorite musical group. Simultaneously, it illustrates a night where life seems to stand still, yet emotionally turbulent, as the characters endure their personal trials and tribulations, one record at a time.

Helena Howard plays Cleo, the film’s central character. She is a bold and outspoken free spirit, brooding over lost opportunities and unfulfilled dreams. On hearing the news of the breakup of the Smiths, Cleo decides to gather her best friends - the introspective, smitten Billy (Nick Krause), the wrestling-with-his-sexuality Patrick (James Bloor), and Sheila (Elena Kampouris), an obsessive Smiths disciple - to embark on a night of rebellion, soul-searching, and music-infused revelry.

Parallel to this road trip storyline, Ellar Coltrane characterizes Dean, an ardent Smiths fan working at a local radio station. Overcome with anger and despair at the disbanding of the Smiths, Dean takes the station's hotshot metalhead DJ Full Metal Mickey (Joe Manganiello) hostage, demanding an all-night tribute to the Smiths. Hence, portrays the film its compelling, multi-narrative ensemble.

The screenplay intertwines these story threads with a substantial dose of the classic Smiths soundtrack, prompting an exploration of young adulthood and the universal experience of coping with life’s unexpected blow. Direction by Stephen Kijak ensures that every performance and dialogue remains grounded and genuine, even amidst the surreal circumstances and unfolding drama.

Interweaving humor, angst, and a fair share of 80's nostalgia, the characters come alive in the heartland of the American Midwest. Each of the movie's young characters is struggling with their identities and their places in society, and the breakup of the Smiths serves as a metaphor for the end of childhood and the start of a sobering adulthood.

As a formative snapshot of life in the 80s, Shoplifters of the World is also encased in exuberant, decade-defining stylistic choices. Cinematography by Andrew Wheeler and Rita Baghdadi beautifully captures the grunge and glamour of the era, while production design by Alan Lampert and Dustin Pace successfully portrays the music-drenched atmospheres of the era's basement parties and radio station booths. Kijak, along with the technical team, indulges the audience in an audacious on-screen color palette and an infectiously pulsating soundtrack, providing a transporting sensory experience.

Undeniably, what makes Shoplifters of the World truly special is its heartfelt performances. Helena Howard, with her captivating portrayal of Cleo, delivers a performance abundant in youthful energy, vulnerability, and subdued fearlessness. Equally notable is Ellar Coltrane's portrayal of Dean - an uncanny mix of quiet desperation and zealous determination. Performances of Elena Kampouris and the rest of the cast help in painting a picture of a unique yet universally recognizable group of youth, dealing with the tumultuous crossroads of life.

Though coming-of-age stories are abundant, Shoplifters of the World separates itself from the pack by weaving its narrative around a unique concept, utilizing the cultural importance of band such as Smiths as the stepping stone for a deeper exploration of youth and individuality. It masterfully combines adolescent angst with a profound sense of yearning, set against an iconic musical backdrop, making it a must-watch for fans of independent cinema, Smiths' music, and those eager to relive the golden era of the 80s.

Ultimately, Shoplifters of the World is a poignant, vibrant snapshot of adolescence - capturing the band's iconic music's transformative power, the pain of growing up, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. Though it is rooted firmly in 80s culture, it delivers universal themes entertainingly and poignantly, making it a remarkably timeless cinematic journey.