Anyone who has been through the British secondary school system within the past 20 years will find this film uncomfortably familiar. Safe to say, everyone has their own uniquely puzzling and stressful adolescent years (which, as the film highlights, school environments can't help but exacerbate) and this certainly is the case for protagonists Maisy and Ben, whose difficulties feel all too real and relatable. For me, this has always been a time in my life which I would prefer not to revisit, yet Soundtrack to Sixteen took me straight back there with a vengeance, anxiety and all.
Far from being an existential horror fest however, the film is very good humoured and Maisy's and Ben's underlying sweetness brings a playfulness which compliments the film's quirkiness and depictions of teenage angst. On the whole, it is well balanced and paced without overstaying its (admittedly short) run time and never dissolves into pretentiousness.
Whilst budgeting restrictions are apparent (and I imagine its budget was smaller than comes across) the film plays to its strengths, thanks to some excellent direction and writing from Hillary and Anna Shakespeare along with a superb cast who bring the film together. Soundtrack to Sixteen won't change the way you see coming-of-age dramas but it will renew your faith in them.
