The Never List

The Never List is a 2020 high school drama that explores themes of loss, rebellion, identity, intimacy, and teenage angst. The film is a relatable and sensitive narrative that perfectly depicts the tumultuous transitions and dilemmas of teenage life. This feature film stars Fivel Stewart, Keiko Agena, and Andrew Kai in significant roles.

The Never List is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age story that revolves around the life of 16-year-old Eva Allen (Fivel Stewart), a brilliant and overachieving student planning to attend Stanford University after high school. Being known for her model conduct, achieving good grades and participation in co-curricular activities, Eva has always been the quintessential good girl. She shares a heartwarming, profound friendship with her equally brainy best friend, Liz. Their bond transcends the ordinary, fueled by countless shared secrets, experiences, and dreams. One of their secret pastimes is drafting an intriguing ‘Never List’ - a catalogue of actions and adventures they'd never dare to venture into, considering their poised personality and comfort zones.

However, when a tragedy strikes, Eva's life changes drastically, disrupting her seemingly perfect world onto unexpected paths. Emotionally wrecked, she is forced to confront her deepest fears, self-doubts, and regrets. In a quest to honor her best friend's memory and live a life unfiltered by societal expectations and rules, Eva steps outside her comfortable boundaries, making several bold, reckless decisions. She finds herself embarking on a quest to complete the ‘Never List’, venturing into a maelstrom of unfamiliar experiences, full of thrill, danger, and exhilaration. Each step towards the list's completion is a step towards understanding herself and coming to terms with her situation.

Fivel Stewart, who portrays Eva, delivers a strong, convincing performance as the lead, skilfilly portraying the raw emotions, confusion, and vulnerability of a teenager grappling with extreme loss and her emerging rebellious side. The chemistry between her and Liz is palpable, and their camaraderie transports the audience to the heart of their friendship. Keiko Agena, best known for her work in 'Gilmore Girls', also stars in a pivotal role and provides a stellar performance. Andrew Kai’s portrayal, adds substance to the ensemble cast with his earnest performance.

The Never List does an excellent job exploring the intensity of teenage friendships, the pain of losing a loved one, and the roller-coaster adolescence can be. The unravelling emotions against the backdrop of a high school setting have been realistically captured by director Michelle Mower. She presents a powerful portrayal of a young girl navigating through grief while wrestling with her desires for independence and personal growth.

Moreover, the film’s subtle humor and heartwarming moments provide a respite from the heavy emotional journey, infusing light-hearted elements into the narrative. These factors make the movie equally entertaining and thoughtful, balancing the heaviness with comedic relief.

The film’s narrative is a universal coming-of-age story about personal exploration, growing up, and discovering one’s authentic self amidst chaos and change. It successfully connects with the audience, making it an engaging watch for teens and adults alike. The attention to teenage psychology, evident in the film's script, characters, and dialogues, is commendable and provides a detailed perspective into their complex world.

In terms of cinematography, the film's visuals are aptly engaging. The color palette shifts according to the protagonist's personal journey, reflecting her emotional states and the transforming dynamics of her life. The director’s attention to nuanced details maintains the essence of the narrative throughout.

The director, Michelle Mower, has done an exceptional job at the helm of this passion project, which is also her first feature film. Her direction brings out the best in the cast and tantalizes the spirit of the story, making it a testament to her filmmaking prowess.

In conclusion, The Never List intricately weaves elements of grief, rebellion, and self-discovery against a high school backdrop, making it an engaging and binge-worthy watch. Through stellar performances, smart storytelling, and strong direction, it emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the power of personal growth during teenage years. The Never List is a must-watch film that leaves its viewers introspecting about their lives, relationships, dreams, and fears. It strikes a fine balance between an irresistible drama and a heartfelt journey of self-exploration, serving as a refreshing addition to the coming-of-age drama genre.