This 92%-Rated Hidden Gem Is One of Those Rare, Truly Sincere Coming-Of-Age Dramas

Films that truly connect with viewers during their coming-of-age are few and far between. Most are set in the 1980s, such as Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Say Anything.

However, in 2013, a movie was released that paid homage to that era while maintaining modern honesty and poignancy. The Spectacular Now, starring Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley is a story about growing up, first love, and the difficulty of letting go of the past when it defines your present.

What Is 'The Spectacular Now' About?

18-year-old Sutter is a handsome party animal and a budding alcoholic. After breaking up with his girlfriend, he quickly finds a new one: the shy and trusting Aimee, who delivers newspapers at six in the morning.

They both come from single-parent families and are burdened by their circumstances. Sutter is selfish, rude, and cynical, he tries to drown his inner emptiness with alcohol. Aimee is a smart, quiet young woman who misses out on her youth by working and caring for her mother.

'The Spectacular Now' Offers a Fresh Perspective on the Teen Drama Genre

Unlike classic 1980s teen films, The Spectacular Now takes a far more serious and thoughtful approach to the issue of growing up – the movie doesn't shy away from sex scenes or strong language.

The main character never leaves his flask, which he uses to quench his thirst while driving and to mix whiskey and lemonade at his desk.

It takes some effort to find sympathy for Miles Teller's character, even in the final acts. Sutter isn't the kind of character with whom the average viewer would identify – he's selfish, rude, hot-tempered, and cynical.

These traits push him to abandon his parents and gain his long-awaited independence. At the same time, however, Sutter can't help but notice how his true freedom is slipping through his fingers as the time for serious decisions draws ever closer.

Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller Are a Duo That Touches the Soul

As Aimee, Shailene Woodley creates an image of a quiet and inconspicuous young woman who, though seemingly unnoticeable, burns within. She is not merely a victim of circumstance – she makes a choice that changes her life.

Aimee serves as a mirror through which Sutter sees his own flaws. Thanks to her honesty and sincerity, he finally begins to ask himself the questions he's been afraid of. Their duo is one of the most powerful in modern coming-of-age cinema.

The filmmakers' dry, contemplative, almost documentary-style filmmaking – eschewing extreme close-ups and focusing on everyday details – underscores their conviction that leaving school is not a painless process.

Childhood traumas become lingering wounds, and The Spectacular Now leaves viewers with the questions that arise when reaching adulthood.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Spectacular Now'?

• The Spectacular Now has 92% from critics and 76% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.0/10.

• On Letterboxd, The Spectacular Now scored 3.2/5.0.

Where to Watch 'The Spectacular Now'?

The Spectacular Now is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video.