What is it about coming of age stories that we like so much?
They represent the harshness of reality that most teens go out to the movies to
get the hell away from, and they remind most adults of a time in their life
that is (thankfully) well and truly behind them. Not to say that such
observations about the trials and tribulations of childhood and adolescence can’t
be joyous, usually by way of showing triumph against the relatively massive
odds; it’s just that the general mode of this type of story intrinsically
involves some form of familiar cringe that, on paper, feels like a natural wall
between the art and the audience.
So, with that in mind, why do we watch them? Well, maybe it’s because they offers us a chance of reflection on our own coming of age stories, giving some clarity to what many people would consider to be one of the worst periods of their lives. It also directly plays into our innate want for validation, and a story that people can recognize as part of their own creates an emotional connection that, more times than not, leads to a positive viewing experience. So, how does this latest coming-of-age story turn out? This is The Edge Of Seventeen.
So, with that in mind, why do we watch them? Well, maybe it’s because they offers us a chance of reflection on our own coming of age stories, giving some clarity to what many people would consider to be one of the worst periods of their lives. It also directly plays into our innate want for validation, and a story that people can recognize as part of their own creates an emotional connection that, more times than not, leads to a positive viewing experience. So, how does this latest coming-of-age story turn out? This is The Edge Of Seventeen.
