Hollywood Perfects the Art of Coming of Age: In the heartfelt film “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” Abby Ryder Fortson portrays the titular preteen, Margaret, who grapples with the challenges of growing up, including the prospect of moving to a new town and a fervent desire to fast-track through puberty.
The movie captures poignant moments, such as making new friends at a new school and sharing visits with her grandmother in the city. Despite the potential for cheesiness in this 70s-set adaptation of Judy Blume’s novel, “Margaret” remains genuine and captivating. Fortson’s performance, along with Rachel McAdams as her frazzled yet well-meaning mother and Kathy Bates as the overbearing grandmother, adds authenticity to the film.
Netflix’s adaptation of Fiona Rosenbloom’s novel “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah” navigates the complexities of middle school social hierarchies with insight. Produced by Adam Sandler and featuring his daughters, Sadie and Sunny Sandler, the film avoids nepotism pitfalls and presents a thoughtful exploration of the intricate dynamics of adolescence.
In “Bottoms,” a clever and appealing movie starring Rachel Sennott, classic teen angst meets “Fight Club” with a refreshing queer perspective. Additionally, the standout movie of the year, “Barbie,” offers a real and relatable character arc grounded by Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt), who grapples with outgrowing her Barbie phase and seeks to define her grown-up identity.
Also Read:Holly Marie Combs Delves into On Set Tensions of ‘Charmed’ in Candid Podcast Conversation
This trend of authentic portrayals of fledgling adulthood extends beyond movies to series like “The Last of Us,” where Pedro Pascal’s Joel becomes a father figure to Bella Ramsey’s Ellie in a post-apocalyptic world. The series explores Ellie’s journey through a poignant episode titled “Left Behind,” showcasing the challenges of high school and the intoxicating effects of young love.
In the realm of coming-of-age stories, this year’s offerings, predominantly featuring female protagonists, capture the awkward and jubilant moments of transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Projects like “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” and “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah” will continue to be accessible on streaming platforms, offering a timeless reflection of the coming-of-age experience. Hollywood, mazel tov, you’re growing up so fast!
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the plot of the coming of age book?
A Bildungsroman, or coming of age story, follows the protagonist’s transformation from childhood to adulthood. This journey leads the young person from innocence to experience, from idealism to realism, and from immaturity to maturity.
What is the central idea of coming of age?
Coming-of-age stories often explore the loss of childhood innocence and the journey towards maturity. These stories often depict inner conflict and turmoil, which ultimately lead to personal growth and development. As the protagonist navigates their way through life, they learn to shift from a self-centered mindset to a more worldly, other-focused perspective. Ultimately, these stories are about finding one’s place in the larger world and discovering who they truly are.
What is the meaning of the coming of age theme?
Coming-of-age is a popular genre in film, particularly in teen movies. These films center around the personal and ethical development of the main character as they transition from adolescence to adulthood.
What is the point of coming of age movies?
A coming of age film revolves around the concepts of youth, growth, and development, with a particular emphasis on the personal journey of the main character. These movies typically feature a single protagonist who undergoes a transformative experience, transitioning into the next phase of their life.