Still Green

Still Green is a compelling coming-of-age drama that beautifully encapsulates the transition from adolescence to adulthood and the complexities that often accompany this change. Incisively written by Georgia Menides and brought to life through the direction of Jon Artigo, this 2007 film paints an evocative portrait of youthful spirit, aspirations, joy, fears, love, and burgeoning maturity.

The movie features an ensemble young cast, headlined by Sarah Jones, Ryan Kelley, and Douglas Spain, who infuse their characters with a raw and authentic energy that enhances the film’s narrative. Still Green follows a group of childhood friends as they set out on a vacation to a secluded beachside house in Florida to commemorate their final summer together before venturing into the different paths dictated by adult life.

Each character in the movie embodies a different facet of growing up and the dilemmas that each one must face. There is Kerri (Sarah Jones), an artist who is impending high school graduation has forced to weigh the pros and cons of attending college away from home, leaving behind her family, her friends, and her longtime boyfriend, Alan (Ryan Kelley). Alan is dealing with his own insecurities by masking them with bravado and playfulness. He struggles with his budding adult responsibilities, especially as he grapples with the implications of Kerri's potential departure.

Their group's dynamic gets a jolt with the arrival of a charismatic stranger, played by Douglas Spain. His character injects the vacation with an additional element of excitement and mystery, leading to tumultuous friendships, hidden secret revelations, and unanticipated romances. Meanwhile, the rest of their friends navigate their personal challenges and battles tied to their youthful insecurities, romantic entanglements, and future uncertainties.

Set in a natural and purely scenic backdrop, Still Green further accentuates the emotionally-charged atmosphere, a poignant reminder of the transient nature of youth and the inevitability of change. The movie's setting distinctly stands as a metaphor for the characters’ journey - they are teetering on the precipice of their futures, much like the surf that swells and recedes against the shore that borders the house where they stay.

Still Green is not just about youth but also about the inescapable transitions that life presents. The film delves into themes of friendship, love, self-discovery, and grief. It also raises important questions about individuality, societal expectations, identity, and our roles and responsibilities as we transition from one phase of life into the next.

Sarah Jones delivers an impassioned performance in her role as Kerri, embodying the character's struggles, dreams, and fears with vivid intensity. Ryan Kelley excellently portrays Alan's evolving personality, remarkably capturing his character's playful, carefree nature, as well as his concealed insecurities and looming fears about the future. Douglas Spain adds an interesting dynamic with his mysterious and intriguing character, which he portrays with great flair.

Jon Artigo’s direction ensures that the narrative maintains a steady pace, allowing space for the characters to fully engage with the larger themes being explored. He utilizes the scenic beauty of the environment to its full potential, enhancing the visual narrative of the film. His direction is complemented by Georgia Menides' sharp and compelling writing, which imbues the story and its characters with depth, authenticity, and a nuanced understanding of the human experience.

Notably, the film is organic in its depiction of characters coming of age, by avoiding clichés often associated with youth-oriented narratives, and instead focusing on the more profound and universal aspects of the human journey. At its heart, Still Green is a movie that celebrates youth and the bond of friendship while simultaneously delving into the challenges that come with realms of adulthood.

By pulling together an outstanding ensemble cast that brings dynamic, complex characters to life, along and a truly captivating narrative, Still Green profoundly captures the richness, diversity, and intricacies of young adult lives, while leaving a lasting impression on its viewers. This film is an absolute must-watch for those who appreciate authentic, engaging, and emotionally-resonant cinema.