The Correct Way of Youth

The Correct Way of Youth is an exploration of the messy, complex reality of being a teenager. The film follows a group of friends navigating the ups and downs of high school life, from romantic entanglements to struggles with self-identity and parental expectations. What makes the film stand out is its refusal to simplify the teenage experience. It offers a clear-eyed portrayal of adolescence-full of uncertainty, joy, pain, and growth. The screenplay is sharp, with dialogue that feels genuine and relatable. The performances are remarkable, particularly from the young ensemble cast, who bring authenticity to their roles. The director avoids melodrama, instead focusing on the quieter moments that often define youth: the awkward silences, the unspoken fears, and the gradual realization of one's place in the world. The Correct Way of Youth is a poignant reminder that growing up is never as simple as following a straight path, but about embracing the chaos and the changes that come with it.

The Correct Way of Youth succeeds in portraying the intricacies of adolescence with honesty and grace. The film follows a group of teenagers at a critical point in their lives-trying to understand who they are, where they belong, and how to navigate a rapidly changing world. It's a film that captures the beauty and the pain of growing up, touching on themes such as self-doubt, family conflict, and the quest for personal identity. The performances from the ensemble cast are exceptional, with each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their character. The cinematography is gorgeous, with soft lighting and intimate close-ups that create a sense of closeness between the characters and the audience. While The Correct Way of Youth addresses heavy issues such as mental health and social isolation, it ultimately delivers a message of hope and resilience-reminding us that youth is a time of growth, not perfection.

This movie is a time capsule of rebellion and dreams. The way it captures the restlessness of youth-with its raw cinematography and electric performances-feels like lightning in a bottle. The subtle layering of innocence and disillusionment hit harder than expected. Overrated. Sure, the lead's angst was palpable, but the endless montages of them staring into the void felt indulgent. A killer soundtrack, though. And props for the bizarre dream sequence featuring a chicken and a wedding cake. Few films portray self-discovery as messily as this one. It's flawed, like its characters, but therein lies the charm. Every detail-the crooked tie, the neon-lit alley, the old mixtape-felt meticulously chosen yet effortlessly natural.

In The Correct Way of Youth, director Claire Dumas paints an unflinching portrait of modern adolescence, where the pressures of achievement, image, and social expectations loom large. The film follows three high school students-each dealing with their own crises-as they navigate their personal journeys toward adulthood. Dumas does an excellent job capturing the complexity of their relationships and the way their struggles with identity, love, and friendship are colored by external pressures. The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing the characters' internal worlds to unfold slowly, adding emotional weight to each decision they make. The subtle yet powerful performances by the young cast bring authenticity to every scene. The film's exploration of mental health, self-worth, and the search for meaning makes it a standout in the coming-of-age genre.

The Correct Way of Youth is a refreshing departure from the typical coming-of-age narrative. Director Martin Cruz crafts a story about 18-year-old Noah, who is grappling with the fear of becoming the person he's always been told he should be, rather than the person he wants to become. Cruz's direction is both tender and brutal, allowing Noah's inner turmoil to be felt deeply by the audience. The film's quiet moments of self-doubt are as compelling as its explosive emotional outbursts. The stunning cinematography further enhances the feeling of dislocation that comes with growing up, and the soundtrack is perfectly paired to elevate the emotional stakes. What truly sets this film apart is its exploration of the fear of transformation, an issue often glossed over in youth-focused cinema. The film is a reminder that self-discovery isn't linear-it's messy, painful, and worth every moment of uncertainty.