[Review] Booksmart (8.5/10)

Title - Booksmart
Studio - Netflix, Annapurna
Starring - Kaitlyn Dever, Beanie Feldstein, Jessica Williams, Jason Sudeikis, Skyler Gisondo, Billie Lourd, Will Forte, Lisa Kudrow
Writer - Emily Halpen, Sarah Haskins, Susanna Fogel, Katie Silberman
Director - Olivia Wilde
Release - 24 May 2019

When the trailer came out I thought this was another throwaway movie and Olivia Wilde trying her hand in directing. I was horribly wrong. This is so far one of the best movies of the year.

The Good:

- The writing was so smart. It's always scary when there is so many writers credited but somehow this worked. Every scene and every dialogue and every turn worked.

- Olivia Wilde's directing was like the perfect pair to the script, and she knew what was needed for each scene. The first scene introducing us to the two lovable characters was perfect as that was all that it took; just the two of them dancing with no music acting like goof balls.

- Billie Lourd was so funny as she stole every scene she was in. Watching her in Star Wars, I would have never guessed she had this much charisma in her. I want to see more of her now.

- One of the best scenes, and a brilliant example of the perfect combination between script and direction, was the quarrel and falling-out scene. And when it went muted, so good. I didn't realise how invested I was in this friendship until that very moment.

- The acting in this by everyone was on point, and that again credits to Wilde's direction.

The Bad:

- It's always the middle part that slowed down a little in these movies. I was left wondering where we were headed or what was this particular scene for. Even though the answer will come after a while but just the thought took me out of the movie.

- I would have liked to see the "distraction" play out, just saying.


This was such a surprisingly good watch and I can't recommend it enough.