The 2019 Superbad.
The quote, “What happens in the past stays in the past” does not apply to the film world. While we do want to leave the infamous 2020 year in the past, let us instead reminisce on 2019 which was arguably one of the greatest years of cinema. Blessed with exceptional film after exceptional film, Booksmart is one of these blessings.
Directed by Olivia Wilde, Booksmart is both a coming-of-age story and comedy that follows two high school seniors Amy and Molly (played by Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein). Realizing they spent all their academic years with their eyes only glued to studies, the two decide to break the rules and fit all the missed-out fun moments in one night, their pre-graduation night. From there on, the chaos ensues. Just the summary itself reels you in already.
Booksmart is a blend of heart, humour, and adventure. It causes its audience to laugh, cry, smile, and for some, feel nostalgic remembering those teen years. Well-written and directed, the film puts a unique and fresh twist to a classic high school plot, making it an unforgettable 2019 gem.
Along with its screenplay and plot development, its actors are the core to what makes Booksmart so lovable. Not just in their electrifying performances but in their personalities and on-screen chemistry. It is a mix of fresh and seen-before faces, each person perfectly casted for their role bringing in their own natural charisma and energy. Why don’t we introduce you to the cast.
What do you get when you blend Netflix’s Unbelievable with Ladybird with Stars Wars? The cast of Booksmart! The film is centered around our two main characters, Katilyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein, who both already have multiple credits.
From the TV mini-series Unbelievable to movies such as Beautiful Boy, Men, Women & Children, Them They Follow and more, Dever has been named one of Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch. Beanie Feldstein is another well-known star. From Greta Gerwig’s nominated Ladybird to Netflix’s Orange is the New Black to Neighbors 2, Feldstein returns to being a main character in her new 2020 film How To Build a Better Girl. May I also add most of are today-years-old when discovering Feldstein is related to director and actor Jonah Hill. They. Are. Siblings. You learn something new every day.
Along with these stars, the cast is made up of more talent such as American Horror Story and Star Wars’ Billie Catherine Lourd, Glass’ Diana Silvers, Good Boys’ Molly Sterg and a minor cameo from TV show Friends’ Lisa Kudrow. Next to these actors, Olivia Wilde shared pictures of more of the cast during the costume fitting process on her Instagram.
Speaking of Olivia Wilde, the creator herself is also a Hollywood veteran, being both a director and actor. While Booksmart is Wilde’s directorial debut, roles she has starred in are the medical TV drama House, Richard Jewell, Her, BoJack Horseman, The Lazarus Effect and so on. Also, a little Booksmart easter egg: Olivia Wilde’s partner, Jason Sudeikis, also stars in the film as the high school’s principal.
Now, if you are a more technical person when it comes to persuasion towards seeing a certain film, Booksmart is still for you. Just adding this in here because where to begin?!
- 97% critics’ score on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer
- BAFTA nomination for Best Original Screenplay
- Film Independent Spirit Award Winner for Best Feature
- Golden Globe Nominee for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy
- and the list goes on…
So if you love “Getting Straight A’s and Giving Zero F’s” and overall crave a great movie experience as we continue self-isolation, put Booksmart on the top of your quarantine movie watchlist.