The Binge

The Binge is a captivating 2020 comedy movie directed by Jeremy Garelick. The movie features star actors such as the iconic Vince Vaughn, alongside Skyler Gisondo and Dexter Darden. It assembles a rich blend of the intricacies of adolescence, an examination of societal control, and a dash of the bizarre, with plenty of exaggerated but humorous situations. It showcases a futuristic scenario where heavy drinking is illegal, except for a single day in a year, referred to as the 'Binge' day.

The movie centers around three characters: Vince Vaughn plays Principal Carlsen, a hard-headed yet caring school principal. Skyler Gisondo embodies Griffin, the heartthrob, who is introverted and scared to voice his feelings for his childhood friend. Dexter Darden plays Hags, who is Griffin's highly loyal best friend. They all share an interesting relationship with The Binge, since Principal Carlsen actively discourages it, while Griffin and Hags can't wait to join the chaos of the forbidden fruits of binge day.

The Binge is set in a not-so-distant future. The Federal Drug Administration has made the decision to enact a law called the 'Binge Law', which restricts alcohol and drug consumption to just one single day every year. The Binge Day is a chaos-filled 12 hours when people are legally allowed to experiment with all the substances they can get their hands on. It respects no age, gender, or social status - anyone can participate, which results in a yearly chaotic spectacle of excess and debauchery.

Griffin and Hags, high school buddies, can't wait for their first Binge. They see it as a rite of passage and a chance to engage in what society considers adult freedoms. They have been dreaming about this day, and what they will do and cannot fathom not joining in because they want to make memories they can look back on when they grow old. Yet, Griffin is not only nervous regarding the upcoming Binge night but is also anxious about whether he would be able to confess his feelings to his longtime crush Lena, played by Grace Van Dien, on the same night.

Contrasting the excitement of Griffin and Hags is Principal Carlsen, the stern school principal, who walks the halls ensuring that his students are kept in line. Despite his stern demeanor, he has a soft spot for these likable characters. He's also a father figure, making sure that they understand the risks of their actions and the potential long-term effects.

With a thrilling narrative that oscillates between the anticipation, the actual day of the Binge, and its aftermath, The Binge effectively uses humor to underscore the dangers of excessive drinking and substance abuse, all while taking seriously the characters' stakes and worries. The film is not just about their repeated attempts to reach the Binge party but also explores friendship, loyalty and, most importantly, the courage it takes to confess one's feelings.

While it showcases some rather preposterous spectacle of substance-fueled fun, The Binge doesn't celebrate recklessness. Rather, it uses humor and exaggeration to highlight the chaos that these substances can cause, while also fostering the maturation of the characters as they learn about responsibility through their own experiences throughout the wild night.

The Binge is an interesting exploration of a futuristic society - coupled with three-dimensional characters, humor, and a playful perspective on the cliche 'high school party movie.' Despite its playful tone, this movie also adds a meaningful layer to the friendship between Griffin and Hags, and showcases the courage it takes for Griffin to express his true feelings. The film is as much about this relationship and making tough choices as it is about the absurdities of the festival itself.

With robust performances, a unique concept, and hilarious, over-the-top sequences, The Binge turns out to be a genuinely funny and enthralling film that resonates with viewers and invites contemplation about societal norms.