Movie Review: “Edge of Seventeen” is John Hughes light

Movie Review: “Edge of Seventeen” (R)

The great James L. Brooks (“Broadcast News”) shepherded “Edge of Seventeen,” a teen angst picture that finds relatively new-to-the-scene filmmaker Kelly Freman Craig getting her John Hughes on. While this film comes up short in a couple of areas, there’s no doubt that “Edge of Seventeen” does offer up worthy attributes — most notably, strong performances.

A wonderful Hailee Steinfeld stars as Nadine, a bratty, socially awkward, motor-mouthed teen who’s desperately trying to commandeer her way through that turbulent thing called high school life. She’s reeling from a family tragedy, dealing with a strained relationship with her mother (Kyra Sedgewick), and coming to the Earth-shattering realization that her lifelong bestie Krista (Haley Lu Richardson) is engaging in a relationship with her brother Darian (Blake Jenner.) Unfortunately, Nadine doesn’t really handle any of these situations in an adult manner — but then, this is all part of her tumultuous learning curve.

Steinfeld is absolutely superb in this picture. It’s a testament to her natural likability as a performer that a character as bratty and entitled as Nadine still comes across as sympathetic and lovable. It’s clear that Nadine has issues, and while she doesn’t always deal with these particular issues in the best of ways (i.e. if your mom pisses you off, it’s probably not a good idea to steal her car), there’s a complexity and authenticity at the heart of Nadine as a character, and Steinfeld positively nails this role with absolute ferocity.

Richardson is a joy as Nadine’s best friend Krista, and that friendship feels genuine. Krista’s falling for Darian certainly wasn’t part of the plan, and the last thing she wants to do is hurt her best friend. In the end, though, the heart wants what the heart wants. Richardson brings a real sense of warmth and compassion to Krista, and the way these lifelong pals attempt to deal with this uncomfortable situation is one of the most heartfelt aspects of the film.

Rounding out a terrific supporting cast are Woody Harrelson as a relentlessly sarcastic and all-knowing teacher, Hayden Szeto as an aspiring artist who awkwardly makes moves on Nadine, Jenner as Nadine’s well-intentioned pretty-boy brother, and Sedgwick as an emotionally distraught and slightly overbearing mother.

In some instances, Freman’s screenplay is authentic, sincere, and refreshingly complex, but “Edge of Seventeen” doesn’t always ring true. There’s a strange artificiality to the relationship between Nadine and her mother, and there are a handful of other relationship moments in the picture that are overplayed and a bit too precious for their own good. Having said that, a revelation in a Frozen Yogurt shop restroom and a scene that finds a confused Nadine on the verge of losing her virginity crackle with the sort of honesty and realism that other more superficial coming-of-age films wouldn’t dare tackle.

Some might argue that Nadine is far too entitled and that she should simply suck it up and move on. That may very well be, but that’s sort of the point the movie is trying to make. It’s a big reason Nadine doesn’t have a lot of friends. At the very least, it’s a kick seeing all the people in Nadine’s life call her out on all of her bullshit. It’s these moments that will ultimately aid Nadine in her transition to adulthood.

“Edge of Seventeen” is far from perfect. It isn’t in the same league as “Election,” “Me Earl and the Dying Girl,” or even “Easy-A,” but with a stellar Steinfeld and a strong supporting cast leading the charge, this movie is still worth a look. Particularly if you yearn for the glorious days of John Hughes.

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