One of the better "coming of age" films about gay youth. Especially effective in this movie is Tina Holmes, who plays Maggie, Eric's best friend/girlfriend. She brings a true sense of innocence to the film, and when she discovers the truth about Eric, her pain is real. This is a young woman to watch! The film doesn't flinch in its look at the wonder, confusion, and deception associated with the coming out process, and despite some awkward direction, Edge of Seventeen succeeds at opening the eyes of its audience, both gay and straight.
83 Reviews
Edge of Seventeen
JoBloTheMovieCritic3 February 2020
An earnest and sensitive coming-of-homosexual-age film.
=G=6 October 2000
"Edge.." takes on a huge challenge as it takes the audience on an compromised guided tour of homosexuality in bloom while maintaining its entertainment value. The film features some excellent acting by some very unfamiliar faces and strikes an appropriate balance between gay sex and gay love. Kudos.
HONEST, SMART & SEXY
dougprinz21 April 2003
Anyone who grew up gay in the 70s and came out in the 80s can relate to some aspect of this wonderful film. The music, the clothes, and the look are perfectly recreated. The performances are honest, tender and intimate. The awkward conversations and situations only add to the realism. The complexity of Eric and Maggie's relationship is truthful and very emotional. Eric's internalized homophobia is something most of us go through...especially when we are not ready to "come out" to our parents and ourselves. I can recall dressing outrageously and experimenting with my hair to make a statement just as Eric does and then denying that I was gay.
Yes, some men are portrayed as "queenish" and "promiscuous", but that's because some real men are. QUEER AS FOLK should be this good.
Chris Stafford shines, Tina Holmes is incredible, Andersen Gabrych is seductive and Stephanie McVay is the mom we all wish we had. The fabulous Lea Delaria belting out "Blue Skies" is an added bonus. Looking forward to more greatness from the talents involved here.
A great gay companion piece to THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN.
Yes, some men are portrayed as "queenish" and "promiscuous", but that's because some real men are. QUEER AS FOLK should be this good.
Chris Stafford shines, Tina Holmes is incredible, Andersen Gabrych is seductive and Stephanie McVay is the mom we all wish we had. The fabulous Lea Delaria belting out "Blue Skies" is an added bonus. Looking forward to more greatness from the talents involved here.
A great gay companion piece to THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN.
Beautiful Indie Portrayal of Homosexual Development
elicopperman11 June 2021
The insecurities and tumultuous desires of adolescence are not often portrayed in cinema the most faithfully, let alone when it comes to coming of ages narratives focusing on young gay men. When looking back at the 1998 indie LGBTQ romantic dramedy Edge of Seventeen, co-written and co-produced by Todd Stephens and directed by David Moreton, it's often quite fascinating to view the rising maturity of an urban town teenager coping with their inner persona. Seeing as how the film was a big hit at both the San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival and Sundance, it's not hard to see why it still holds up.
Set in Sandusky, Ohio in 1984, the plot focuses on a seventeen year old man named Eric Hunter, who ends up falling for another young man named Rod over the summer. As a result, he ends up having to cope with his sexuality and being with his friends and family. Two things that the movie explores quite well is how difficult it is for someone growing up in a conservative minded hometown and the pressure of finding love. Even though Eric does in Rod and his best friend Maggie, he ends up falling victim to disdain, condescension and societal introspection. It gets to the point where he ends up costing the trust of not only Maggie, but even his own family who aren't going through the best of times already. It's been said that the film was loosely inspired by co-writer Todd Stephens' upbringing in Sandusky, and even though he grew up in a different decade than Eric, one can feel his personal touches all throughout the feature's realistic bittersweetness. Regardless of the decade, the themes of finding oneself in a close minded world and not knowing who to trust are just as timeless now as they were in Eric and Stephen's times.
Even regarding the year of 1984, the retro contemporary music culture of then ends up playing a huge factor throughout the story. In addition to Eric's love of 80s synthesized compressions and the dance club vibes of certain scenes, it's very common to tell these types of coming of age narratives at a memorable time for people who were around the Boy George and Annie Lennox era. However, all of this cool looking pop fashion is merely a facade to poor Eric who even ends up realizing homophobia within his own peers, thus further emboriding him to question who he can trust. In addition to Chris Stafford capturing Eric's deep sincerity and debilitating narcism, the transition of Eric from a dorky looking high school nerd into a full on period fashionista wannabe is as seamless as it is heartbreaking, both for him and the people he knows personally. The fear of being different is so rampant throughout Eric's mindset that it nearly crushes his fragile ego, but even through all of these hardships, the sentimentality of those who do love him are what keep him going the most.
For a small movie with no big names, Edge of Seventeen thoroughly captures a small slice of life in mid 80s middle class American life. While it may be a bit campy in some regard, its realistic portrayal of young homosexual development has allowed it to stand the test of time pretty neatly. Now that the film is available on Netflix for all to see, there's no reason not to give it a go in the wonderful month of Pride. In a day and age where coming of age dramedies focusing on young queer people have become a lot more noted throughout mainstream cinema, it's always fun to look at smaller indie flicks to get a real personal taste.
Set in Sandusky, Ohio in 1984, the plot focuses on a seventeen year old man named Eric Hunter, who ends up falling for another young man named Rod over the summer. As a result, he ends up having to cope with his sexuality and being with his friends and family. Two things that the movie explores quite well is how difficult it is for someone growing up in a conservative minded hometown and the pressure of finding love. Even though Eric does in Rod and his best friend Maggie, he ends up falling victim to disdain, condescension and societal introspection. It gets to the point where he ends up costing the trust of not only Maggie, but even his own family who aren't going through the best of times already. It's been said that the film was loosely inspired by co-writer Todd Stephens' upbringing in Sandusky, and even though he grew up in a different decade than Eric, one can feel his personal touches all throughout the feature's realistic bittersweetness. Regardless of the decade, the themes of finding oneself in a close minded world and not knowing who to trust are just as timeless now as they were in Eric and Stephen's times.
Even regarding the year of 1984, the retro contemporary music culture of then ends up playing a huge factor throughout the story. In addition to Eric's love of 80s synthesized compressions and the dance club vibes of certain scenes, it's very common to tell these types of coming of age narratives at a memorable time for people who were around the Boy George and Annie Lennox era. However, all of this cool looking pop fashion is merely a facade to poor Eric who even ends up realizing homophobia within his own peers, thus further emboriding him to question who he can trust. In addition to Chris Stafford capturing Eric's deep sincerity and debilitating narcism, the transition of Eric from a dorky looking high school nerd into a full on period fashionista wannabe is as seamless as it is heartbreaking, both for him and the people he knows personally. The fear of being different is so rampant throughout Eric's mindset that it nearly crushes his fragile ego, but even through all of these hardships, the sentimentality of those who do love him are what keep him going the most.
For a small movie with no big names, Edge of Seventeen thoroughly captures a small slice of life in mid 80s middle class American life. While it may be a bit campy in some regard, its realistic portrayal of young homosexual development has allowed it to stand the test of time pretty neatly. Now that the film is available on Netflix for all to see, there's no reason not to give it a go in the wonderful month of Pride. In a day and age where coming of age dramedies focusing on young queer people have become a lot more noted throughout mainstream cinema, it's always fun to look at smaller indie flicks to get a real personal taste.
Good, but NOT Great
diva-1911 May 1999
Edge of Seventeen is an above average coming of age film with a fine performance in the lead. Its script is a bit soggy and at times the film is a bit slow. Unfortunately stereotypes abound and there is not much depth to the pic. Cinematography is above average for a gay film; soundtrack is fun. Overall, it is somewhat forgettable and would not have been, if the film had had more guts.It has ample charm to please many.
awesome, honest flick...
JrML667 October 2005
I've seen just about every gay movie out there, and 'edge of seventeen' is by far one of my favorites. The one word that best describes it is 'honest'....but it's also nostalgic, funny, wonderfully simple, yet beautifully complex. The viewer can start off enjoying how accurately it captures the mid 80's, especially the excitement and uncertainty that Eric, the main character, is experiencing. Then, as the story unfolds, each new development that Eric deals with as he comes to terms with being gay is so well done, so honest and nontheatrical, that it feels almost like a documentary. The movie's got a huge heart. Don't miss it!!!
2020 review
d4nzel17 July 2020
This is my life!
ianmichaels4 April 2006
I saw this movie many moons ago, but have not been aware of this medium for commenting on it.
I adore this movie, it was my life. Eric's discovery of his sexuality one summer while working at Cedar Point in Sandusky Ohio is almost exactly how I discovered mine. I thought as I watched it that someone had stolen my journal, wrote a script about it, and then silently returned it without my knowing. Eric's first love. His making friends at a bar he was not old enough to be in. His developing style, in the way many of us did in the 80's, bad hair and worse clothes, but great music.
I could relate to this movie on so many levels. I think that any gay man that found himself in the 80's should watch this film and see where they fit into it. If this movie doesn't remind you of yourself, it is sure to remind you of someone you know.
Loved it!
I adore this movie, it was my life. Eric's discovery of his sexuality one summer while working at Cedar Point in Sandusky Ohio is almost exactly how I discovered mine. I thought as I watched it that someone had stolen my journal, wrote a script about it, and then silently returned it without my knowing. Eric's first love. His making friends at a bar he was not old enough to be in. His developing style, in the way many of us did in the 80's, bad hair and worse clothes, but great music.
I could relate to this movie on so many levels. I think that any gay man that found himself in the 80's should watch this film and see where they fit into it. If this movie doesn't remind you of yourself, it is sure to remind you of someone you know.
Loved it!
Could have been better
sirchadwick4619 June 2006
It could just be me, but I failed to appreciate the way in which this movie was developed. It seems to me that it creates a very hollow idea that in the gay community we can only rely on other gay people, yet at the same time that they cannot be trusted. I first saw this movie when I was still well in the closet and its portrayal of coming out terrified me. I would say this movie focuses on all the wrong parts of coming out. Yes it is difficult, and yes many times those you care about won't react how you would like, but there is an inherent freedom that comes along with it. I would like to tell the creators how much coming out has changed since they did it. My straight guy friends were the most important aspect of my coming out, supportive and always ready to help protect me from the worse parts of gay life. Please stop instilling fear in the young masses!
Where's the Storyline?
rentnyc5 July 1999
While this movie is supposed to be a huge "coming of age" movie, particularly for gay teens, I left the theater angry with wasting money on this movie. With a weak storyline and a dull ending, this movie thrives on the performances of two actors: Lea DeLaria and Chris Stafford. Lea DeLaria's portrayal of Angie, the boss at the summer job, is a much needed boost for this movie with a hideously boring storyline.
Wonderful movie.
mysquirellywrath1 March 2006
I honestly did not think I would like this movie. Something about the fact that it was based in the eighties made me a little edgy about seeing it. But I was actually pleasantly surprised.
Chris Stafford, who I would very much like to see in bigger roles, presented an incredible portrayal of a young man struggling with his sexuality in a very bias environment. Not only did I enjoy the way his character gradually came out of his shell and embraced this part about him that he had tried so hard to deny for so long but I was just so entranced and surprised by his performance throughout the film.
Anderson Gabrych as Rod was equally amazing. I was a little put off by him at first and I was extremely wary of that stereotypical gay he seemed to be at first introduction but I really enjoyed his performance, as well. And Tina Holmes was wonderful as Eric's best friend and her difficulty with the fact that the man she was in love with didn't love her that way was incredibly believable.
I enjoyed each actor's portrayal of their character and the flawless acting and the sexy (but tasteful) love scenes and just about everything about the film. The only thing I did not enjoy was the end. It felt awkward and cut short and if the director was aiming for a cliffhanger, he certainly succeeded - but a little too much was left unsaid for a completely successful closing.
Overall, the movie was one that I will watch many, many more times. It's an emotional, realistic insight into the struggles of coming out and embracing one's sexuality. Definitely worth the watch.
Chris Stafford, who I would very much like to see in bigger roles, presented an incredible portrayal of a young man struggling with his sexuality in a very bias environment. Not only did I enjoy the way his character gradually came out of his shell and embraced this part about him that he had tried so hard to deny for so long but I was just so entranced and surprised by his performance throughout the film.
Anderson Gabrych as Rod was equally amazing. I was a little put off by him at first and I was extremely wary of that stereotypical gay he seemed to be at first introduction but I really enjoyed his performance, as well. And Tina Holmes was wonderful as Eric's best friend and her difficulty with the fact that the man she was in love with didn't love her that way was incredibly believable.
I enjoyed each actor's portrayal of their character and the flawless acting and the sexy (but tasteful) love scenes and just about everything about the film. The only thing I did not enjoy was the end. It felt awkward and cut short and if the director was aiming for a cliffhanger, he certainly succeeded - but a little too much was left unsaid for a completely successful closing.
Overall, the movie was one that I will watch many, many more times. It's an emotional, realistic insight into the struggles of coming out and embracing one's sexuality. Definitely worth the watch.
just plain awful and boring
johan140812 September 2005
Flat characters, cheap use of music to get a nostalgic effect, clichés all over, no plausible developments, no tension building up. It's all decor and superficial. And incoherent to that. The list goes on and on. It's a redo of intelligent and successful European flicks put in American surroundings. But all plastic and jaded. Bad and flat acting. Do not watch this. There are much better coming of age movies. BEAUTIFUL THING might be a romance it's actually more realistic and has much more depth of character and intensity and coherence in the story. Societal stuff is also better and more comprehensibly (sometimes symbolic) interwoven in the story of BT. Although I didn't like GET REAL much for its preaching, I think even that movie is better than Edge of Seventeen; and better to understand (language) for American audiences than BT.
Slow but Sweet
mermatt13 June 1999
The film is a coming-out story set in Sandusky, Ohio, in 1984. It moves a bit slowly, but it is nevertheless sweet. The characterizations and performances are genuine and provide sincere laughs and tears. The film is amazingly accurate in showing the whole gamut of coming out.
The talented cast is wonderful, and the story ultimately is a healing experience.
The talented cast is wonderful, and the story ultimately is a healing experience.
Nothing really extraordinary. Would have been better off as a documentary.
skortbulb13 November 2002
The movie was fairly well done and the acting was about average. The story moves at it's own pace instead of rushing things and trying to cram in enetertainment, which i liked. However, plot is almost a generic coming of age story except the main character is gay. In fact there is almost no real conflict, just a series of awkward situations created by the main character's lifestyle. Something like a softcore version of "Boys Don't Cry." Although, I will admit that some parts were verging on hilarious, and the most awkward moments were enough to make me cringe with embarrassment. All in all it was probably the least entertaining "gay" movie i have seen yet but still a pretty cute story.
Brilliant Coming Out Flick Set in the New Wave Era of the Early 80s
PeterDecker28 October 2005
Edge of Seventeen is a brilliant film for so many reasons. The writing, directing and acting are all spot on. God knows how much effort it must have taken to put a jewel like this together. This was clearly a labour of love. A mega budget could never have produced integrity like this.
For those of you panning the soundtrack, fuggedaboutit. I was 20 in 1980 and I know New Wave like the back of my hand. I witnessed it being born. It was absolutely huge here in Toronto. Whoever selected the music for this film deserves an award. They knew what they were doing.
The detail with regard to 80s paraphernalia and "style" is unbelievable. The level of accuracy with which this movie presents the 80s is akin to what one might see in a Merchant-Ivory costume drama. Every minute detail is correct. The movie even "feels" right.
Edge of Seventeen has "bona fide" written all over it. Major kudos to the writer and director. You've nailed the 80s like no one ever has. This could be a gay companion piece to The Breakfast Club, except it's deeper and more honest.
There is a reason why Edge of Seventeen is such a cult film: it has penetrated the soul of the times. Stafford's confusion, angst, vulnerability, denial, and acceptance all ring true. The main actors are fleshed out and "real".
What an intelligent, thoughtful, sincere film. Those of us who appreciate what is being represented through this movie can only regard it as brilliant! This is what the art of movie making is all about. Congratulations to everyone involved.
For those of you panning the soundtrack, fuggedaboutit. I was 20 in 1980 and I know New Wave like the back of my hand. I witnessed it being born. It was absolutely huge here in Toronto. Whoever selected the music for this film deserves an award. They knew what they were doing.
The detail with regard to 80s paraphernalia and "style" is unbelievable. The level of accuracy with which this movie presents the 80s is akin to what one might see in a Merchant-Ivory costume drama. Every minute detail is correct. The movie even "feels" right.
Edge of Seventeen has "bona fide" written all over it. Major kudos to the writer and director. You've nailed the 80s like no one ever has. This could be a gay companion piece to The Breakfast Club, except it's deeper and more honest.
There is a reason why Edge of Seventeen is such a cult film: it has penetrated the soul of the times. Stafford's confusion, angst, vulnerability, denial, and acceptance all ring true. The main actors are fleshed out and "real".
What an intelligent, thoughtful, sincere film. Those of us who appreciate what is being represented through this movie can only regard it as brilliant! This is what the art of movie making is all about. Congratulations to everyone involved.
I'm from Ohio and let me tell you..
dion_pangallo28 January 2021
This is a pretty accurate portrayal albeit some parts heavily sugarcoated for drama. Kids today have absolutely no idea how hard it was for a gay high school kid growing up in the macho ego driven 80's, especially in small town Ohio. In fact, despite media and laws protecting rights etc, in reality it still is in most towns around here.
Feels as if it were written and directed by straights...
moonspinner556 August 2005
Sexually confused young man is comfortable with frequenting a gay bar, having gay friends and being sexual with other boys--but when his concerned mother wants to know "what's going on", he realizes he's stuck in the closet. Lots of great '80s alternative music on the soundtrack gives this low-budget opus a little pep, no matter how extraneous, but the high school lead seems to have open access to bars, cars, girls and boys that hardly seems convincing (never mind that the actor looks too old to be still be living out of a locker). We get no insight into his school life except that he's admired by girls, and the mother character is a bland cliché (she waits up all night for her son to get home sitting straight-back in a living room chair--and later, when there's confronting to be done, she plays the piano). Movies like this are well-intentioned, but are usually (and, in this case, painfully) hetero-friendly, as if nobody involved did any more research than take a quick trip down to the local Manhole. *1/2 from ****
Extremely sensitive and thoughtful film
keith_williamson10 March 2004
Captures the feeling so well of one young man as he comes out and seeks love.
Not all gay men QUEENISH (but who's to say there is anything wrong with that anyway) or PROMISCUIOUS (but who's fit enough to judge).
Many gay people experience being taken for a ride when coming out. Many gay people desperately try to fit a preconceived mold (either gay or straight) and only learn to break free when it all goes wrong. The trying to be straight, the hurting the best (female) friend through thoughtlessness, rather than intentionally, chasing monogamy from bed to bed, the yearning to love and be loved.
I know so many people that will recognize this story, Which is sensitively portrayed in this film.
Not everyone will have experienced this, but a lot will and their story deserves to be told as well.
Not all gay men QUEENISH (but who's to say there is anything wrong with that anyway) or PROMISCUIOUS (but who's fit enough to judge).
Many gay people experience being taken for a ride when coming out. Many gay people desperately try to fit a preconceived mold (either gay or straight) and only learn to break free when it all goes wrong. The trying to be straight, the hurting the best (female) friend through thoughtlessness, rather than intentionally, chasing monogamy from bed to bed, the yearning to love and be loved.
I know so many people that will recognize this story, Which is sensitively portrayed in this film.
Not everyone will have experienced this, but a lot will and their story deserves to be told as well.
Superficial movie about superficial boy
erwinoz22 August 2004
I bought the movie because of it's gay theme and because it was so much praised here on IMDb. Someone even called it 'The story of his live,' others mentioned the 'great' story, acting and directing. I must come from a whole different planet as I didn't find any of it in the movie. The story is about a boy discovering his feelings for other boys. Big deal. The rest of the movie you see the boy leading a very superficial life restrained from anything that is worth repeating here, leave alone going to see the movie for. No intellectual thoughts, no depth in feelings of love, nor those of friendship or fear or whatever. The boy hardly feels anything it seems. His feelings probably keep up with the very little he has in mind. Just as the one who wrote the story. It might have been a nice and spectacular thing if it would have been 1950. But it is not. If you like nice movies about coming of age and being gay, you better see 'Fucking Amal,' 'Beautiful thing' or 'But I'm a cheerleader.'
Living on the EDGE
NJMoon29 July 2000
EDGE OF SEVENTEEN is by far the more realistic and enjoyable "coming of age/coming out" films to hit cinemas in a while. On a thematic par with the Brit import GET REAL, this film touches on the reality of coming of age in 1984 mid-America, though I suspect it is pretty much the same in any American suburb. The competition must discount Britain's BEAUTIFUL THING which is really an out and out romance. But it beats the cardboard contrivances of DEFYING GRAVITY, a collegiate scenario of similar ilk.
The awkward flirty moments building up to the first boy/boy coupling have an air of sexy familiarity. Film's presumption that "all some guys want is sex" is (unfortunately) dead on real. Chris Stafford plays the leading teen with immense charm. We'll see more from Stafford, surely. His studly co-star is suitably entrancing and is fine to look from the back during their love scenes. We certainly understand why our hero falls for this college-age cad.
Naturally there's a gal pal, too, who here is underplayed nicely but a little too Winona-like for comfort. Broadway uber-dyke Lea DeLaria is onboard for yuks but is just a little too odd and urban to blend in a Sandusky supermarket. Gay men will get teary as Stafford fesses up to Mom that he's queer. Film's only flaw is some obviously clipped editing. At least two scenes are confusing in continuity leading us to wonder whahappened???
But EDGE OF SEVENTEEN is a winner. Gay or straight, first love and coming of age are themes that hit home.
The awkward flirty moments building up to the first boy/boy coupling have an air of sexy familiarity. Film's presumption that "all some guys want is sex" is (unfortunately) dead on real. Chris Stafford plays the leading teen with immense charm. We'll see more from Stafford, surely. His studly co-star is suitably entrancing and is fine to look from the back during their love scenes. We certainly understand why our hero falls for this college-age cad.
Naturally there's a gal pal, too, who here is underplayed nicely but a little too Winona-like for comfort. Broadway uber-dyke Lea DeLaria is onboard for yuks but is just a little too odd and urban to blend in a Sandusky supermarket. Gay men will get teary as Stafford fesses up to Mom that he's queer. Film's only flaw is some obviously clipped editing. At least two scenes are confusing in continuity leading us to wonder whahappened???
But EDGE OF SEVENTEEN is a winner. Gay or straight, first love and coming of age are themes that hit home.
#1... OK so I'm an easy critic but this really is my favorite!
DaVidBoi31 January 2004
Brilliantly thought-out... I can tell you what any character is thinking at any point in the movie. Not that it's so simple and obvious, in fact there are several things that I missed the first (and second) time through. What I'm getting at, is that the dialogue and the emotions are realistically written and perfectly performed.
Shot on-location in Sandusky, this film gives plenty of opportunities for an Ohioan like me to say "I've been there!" and adds another dimension of realism. The only thing about the movie that disappointed me was that so many things were left uncertain at the end; but maybe the point is supposed to be that a "coming-of-age" story is never really finished.
Shot on-location in Sandusky, this film gives plenty of opportunities for an Ohioan like me to say "I've been there!" and adds another dimension of realism. The only thing about the movie that disappointed me was that so many things were left uncertain at the end; but maybe the point is supposed to be that a "coming-of-age" story is never really finished.
Our hearts were young...and Gay
SamLowry-23 May 1999
"Edge of Seventeen" is pretty close to accurate in its portrayal of life in the '80's. It also has a few genuine laugh moments, many "I've been there too" scenes, and very likeable performances by all the leads. The film takes a misstep in the sex scenes. The one in the dorm room has no reason to exist. What does it add to the story or its characters? Several people were either using the rest room---or they agreed with me. They walked out as the scene progressed. Lea DeLaria is a blast as the gung-ho lesbian cafeteria manager. She is both funny and warm. Chris Stafford is mesmerizing as "Eric." A positive review in the Seattle Times compared him to Montgomery Clift---in both physical appearance and ability to convey conflicting emotions with his expressions. So, the entire film I had the feeling I'd seen Stafford before...but it was really Clift I was thinking of. Stafford is very brave here, asked to do some pretty awkward things in the name of the character---and doing them with simplicity and charm. It is a shame that more money was not spent by Strand releasing on both a better sound track dubbing and more publicity. The poster for the film is like an afterthought---probably a foot by a foot in size. It didn't come close to filling the poster sign board. But, "Edge of Seventeen" will undoubtably fill a void in the lives of some teens currently trying to "come out" in little town USA. Or perhaps fill the void many of us felt for NOT coming out as teens in the glam '80's.
Lackluster, but may be relatable or at least enjoyable for some young gay men.
cribscythe5 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I was very prepared to like this movie a lot, given all the raving reviews. I left the film feeling like I'd eavesdropped on several gay teenagers gossiping about sex.
Eric's irrelevant friendship and oddly specific boy drama in his personal life dominate the screen rather than addressing the finding and accepting of sexuality in a coming-of-age. I saw no redeeming qualities nor realism in the boys' relationship. It was an entire film's worth of meaningless, cheesy scenes between these two boys who hardly even knew each other, absent of chemistry, sentimentality or even friendship. I found it hard to imagine why they liked one another, and even harder to like either myself.
Eric is used for sexual pleasure by numerous other boys, made fun of by the kids at school and loses his best friend. He's provided absolutely no glimmer of hope by the end; no silver lining, no promise that he finds contentment in himself or acceptance in his peers and family.
Chris Stafford and Andersen Gabrych's performances were lackluster, unconvincing, and amateur, failing to save an already-sinking ship.
I'm giving Edge of Seventeen four stars because I think young gay men may feel at least somewhat represented in their struggles, and I believe that is still important to consider. It isn't, by any means, a worthwhile movie if you're out of the rampantly hormonal age.
Eric's irrelevant friendship and oddly specific boy drama in his personal life dominate the screen rather than addressing the finding and accepting of sexuality in a coming-of-age. I saw no redeeming qualities nor realism in the boys' relationship. It was an entire film's worth of meaningless, cheesy scenes between these two boys who hardly even knew each other, absent of chemistry, sentimentality or even friendship. I found it hard to imagine why they liked one another, and even harder to like either myself.
Eric is used for sexual pleasure by numerous other boys, made fun of by the kids at school and loses his best friend. He's provided absolutely no glimmer of hope by the end; no silver lining, no promise that he finds contentment in himself or acceptance in his peers and family.
Chris Stafford and Andersen Gabrych's performances were lackluster, unconvincing, and amateur, failing to save an already-sinking ship.
I'm giving Edge of Seventeen four stars because I think young gay men may feel at least somewhat represented in their struggles, and I believe that is still important to consider. It isn't, by any means, a worthwhile movie if you're out of the rampantly hormonal age.
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