ephraimcassion Review of XOXO

XOXO (2016)

Story of people picking up life lessons at EDM festival and growing up in small ways.

[6/10 · 8 October 2016]

I liked the movie. The characters and story weren't really that interesting since we don't delve into them that much. What I found compelling was the themes that the characters embodied. Themes that connect to my generation. Krystal and Ethan are the idealistic youth, Ethan is trying to make his dreams come true and Krystal is pursuing fairy tale romance/love. They both think it will all fall in place at XOXO. Ray and Shannie are young adults about to start their careers while Ray is finishing his 5 year program Shannie is moving away for work. So they attend XOXO to escape a harsh reality. Tariq is trying to pursue a career he is passionate about while at the same time trying to please his dad and make him proud. There is also a culture clash Tariq's father doesn't really understand Tariq's decision but he is not portrayed as bad guy he just wants his son to be okay in life but Tariq wants to do what he loves. As a person coming from an immigrant family I can understand that. We have older generation interacting with the younger. Neil is an older DJ who looks down on the newer generation (Millennial bashing), DJ Avilo who preys on the younger generation in order to stay on top and Anders is the one who embraces the new generation and helps to cultivate them.