At this point, you’re probably asking yourself, “Why the heck is she talking about some 30-year old movie? Watching Kelly Fremont Craig’s The Edge of Seventeen, I couldn’t help but appreciate how well she captured the angst of being a teenager today, much the same way Hughes did for teenagers in the 1980’s.
High school junior Nadine Franklin (Hailee Steinfeld) has never been popular. That distinction belongs to her older brother Darien (Blake Jenner) who has always been perfect. The opening scenes finds Nadine striding with purpose into the classroom of her history teacher, Mr. Bruner (Woody Harrelson), during his lunch break and announcing plans to kill herself with a monologue that’s self-pitying, sardonic and somewhat disparaging of Mr. Bruner, all at once. Surprisingly, Bruner doesn’t respond to Nadine declaration. Instead, hesitating for a moment, he shoots back with his own kind of snark. It’s immediately obvious that Bruner knows his student well and his words will defuse the situation.
At the height of awkwardness, Nadine doesn’t fit in at all. Her father, who understood her, tragically died when she was thirteen. Nadine’s relationship with her mother (Kyra Sedgwick) is strained. Thankfully, Krista (Haley Lu Richardson), Nadine’s best friend since elementary school has had her back. Then comes the unthinkable: Krista, having grown out of the awkward phase, has slept with Darien. Betrayed and angry, Nadine’s carefully crafted world is shattered, forcing her to reexamine herself and her relationships with others.
In her best performance since True Grit in 2010, Hailee Steinfeld is given the chance to show the anger, sadness and insecurity in Nadine’s life with a sardonic with that always seems real, no matter how annoying her character becomes. Credit to both Steinfeld and Craig for understanding that teenagers aren’t always going to make the smart decision, but it’s all part of growing up. Nadine could find happiness if she allowed herself; she harbors an unrequited crush on a school “bad boy” (Alexander Calvert), even as it’s clear to us that the sweet, needy boy (Hayden Szeto), pining for her, is her soul mate. Steinfeld is surrounded by a great cast. Krista may have betrayed Nadine in the worse way possible, but Haley Lu Richardson plays her with such a sincerity, it’s hard to feel lasting animosity towards her. Blake Jenner, too, whose Darien could have come off as a jerk, ends up as a rather sympathetic figure, with more heart than braun. Add in veteran professionals Woody Harrelson and Kyra Sedgwick with this roster of promising young talent and The Edge of Seventeen is one of the best coming of age films in recent years.
Presented in the 1.85 aspect ratio, this 1080p presentation is solid. The image is well defined throughout, with just a couple of wide shots showing a slight blur. There are no apparent print flaws. The strongly amber and teal color palette comes across well and blacks look consistently appropriate. Faces look realistic as well.
The DTS-HD MA 7.1 audio track is a decidedly low-key affair, but works well for this dialogue based film. Music sounds full when used, but never dominates a scene. Songs spread well throughout the soundstage, adding life to the proceedings. Ambient effects have been well mixed and never interfere with dialogue. Surrounds are fine, but don’t get much work here. Dialogue is clean and clear.
English and Spanish subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
- Gag Reel (HD, 5:21) The usual gags and giggles.
- Deleted Scenes (HD, 4:03) Three in total: Nadine Asleep In Mr. Bruner’s Classroom” (1:57), “Mona’s Interior Monologue” (0:48) and “Nadine Needs a Bathroom Key” (1:18) They don’t add much to the story.
- DVD copy of the film.
