Sh*thouse

Shithouse is a groundbreaking 2020 film written, directed and starred by Cooper Raiff. The film is a powerful coming-of-age story interspersed with elements of romance that cater to the youth audience, as well as people recounting their college years. This film, having a running time of about 102 minutes, consistently hovers between the realms of comedy, drama, and romance. Aside from Cooper Raiff, the film features Dylan Gelula and Amy Landecker playing pivotal roles, each leaving an indelible imprint.

Shithouse opens a portal to the frustrating, inspiring, turbulent, and transformative world of college life that bristles with a rollercoaster of emotions. The film spotlights Alex (Played by Cooper Raiff), a freshman struggling with homesickness, loneliness, and the daunting load of college responsibilities. Alex’s character is a typical introvert, innocent, and dependent on his family, grappling with the sudden responsibility and independence that college life demands. He embodies many voyagers who cross thresholds to enter an intimidating new world, yet find it challenging to adapt to this novelty.

Set in a college dormitory named Shithouse (from where the film gets its title), the story unravels as Alex tries to fit in. The ‘Shithouse’ is a place brimming with wild parties and crazy students whose lives revolve around booze, pranks, relationships, and their idea of fun. Alex’s lifestyle starkly contrasts with this setting, which complicates his struggles and articulates his loneliness to the audience.

To fight his loneliness, Alex ventures into building a relationship with his Resident Assistant, Maggie (Played by Dylan Gelula). Maggie’s character contrasts with Alex with her outward boldness and seemingly clear sense of direction in life, making their companionship a game of contrasts that stretches the narrative beautifully. The film is not just a treatise on collegiate isolation but also a deep dive into the pit of romantic relationships and its countless complexities.

Amy Landecker performs brilliantly as Alex’s mother, who’s often seen trying to give Alex advice and console him in his moments of despair through video calls. It’s the connection with his mother that makes Alex miss his home more, which becomes central to the narrative. They create an excellent representation of a lad trying to break free from his cocoon, yet a bittersweet longing for home tugs at his heartstrings.

Shithouse takes the audience on an emotional journey of friendship, love, self-realization, and personal growth. The film masterfully presents a slice of life story with hilarious moments and heartfelt interactions that are both engaging and thought-provoking. The story intersperses awkward youth exchanges, the fun and folly of dormitory nights, and a vulnerable portrayal of human connections. It presents a thinking individual’s guide to surviving and mastering the art of relationships and responsibilities while underscoring the highs and lows of entering adulthood.

One of the main draws of the film is its vivid storytelling. Cooper Raiff tells a personal, touching tale carrying a strong emotional backbone—the dialogues, the college atmosphere, and the tender, compelling performances manage to bring the characters to life, right onto the screens. The cinematography beautifully captures the dramatically different worlds of a free-spirited college lifestyle and a desperate desire for the warmth of home.

The movie traces Alex's journey from being a homesick teen to his evolution into a stronger, self-reliant individual. Simultaneously, it also brings out the subtle transformation in Maggie’s character. Their relationships give way to several emotional and heartfelt moments, making viewers root for them.

The beauty of Shithouse is in its simplicity — it doesn’t try to be loud, pretentious, or overly dramatic. It simply tries to mirror the lives of millions of college students out there, and it does that with an extreme charm and elegance. Shithouse's narrative focuses on real-life situations and balanced storytelling, which sets it apart from other films of this genre.

In conclusion, Shithouse is a narrative of the heart—an emotional exploration into the deep aspects of youth life, struggling to grow within alien walls. The film leaves viewers with a lot to dissect long after it ends and offers a refreshing take on the familiar narrative of college life and the path to adulthood.