On spring break, my best friend and I decided to watch a movie that neither of us had seen before. That movie was "Heathers," a dark comedy released in 1988 and starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. I had heard good things about it before, so we decided to watch it and see why it is considered a cult classic. While watching this movie, I also learned a few things.
1. Winona Ryder is, basically, aesthetically flawless.
I've always thought that Winona Ryder was beautiful, but she was at her peak in this movie. She is absolutely gorgeous, and this movie just showcases that.
2. Friendship is weird.
While this movie isn't the most accurate representation of friendship, it does a pretty good job at highlighting the absurdities. All relationships are weird when you really think about it, but no relationship status is weirder than that of the frenemy.
3. The response to suicide needs to change.
While there is no "good" way to handle the topic of suicide, "Heathers" shows all of the wrong ways. When it happens, it has to be talked about; suicide can't just be ignored, regardless of the circumstances.
4. '80s slang is absolutely phenomenal.
While there are many great examples of '80s slang in "Heathers," my personal favorite has to be the use of "very" as a descriptor. For us millennials who didn't get to experience the '80s for ourselves, movies like this are the best way to hear slang that is no longer in use.
5. Teen angst has always been normal.
While Veronica and JD's murders are extreme parodies of teen angst, it can't be denied that teenagers have always had their brains wired a little differently than the rest of the world. Regardless of how it's expressed, teen angst is an entirely normal feeling.
6. Happiness isn't a daily guarantee.
It's completely normal to go through rough patches in life. Nobody is happy all day, every day for all of eternity; it just doesn't happen. Being upset shouldn't make you feel like you're different or not good enough.
7. Peer pressure sucks.
As cliche as it is to say it, giving in to peer pressure isn't required. If something doesn't feel right, you don't have to do it, and that shouldn't even be an argument. Remember, "no" is a complete sentence.
8. As terrifying as JD is, Christian Slater was cute in his day.
I'll be the first one to admit it: even after JD's crazy was completely obvious, I still found him attractive. My best friend loves to tease me about my "thing" for creeps in television and movies, but it's true. Even if JD is awful, Christian Slater can still be admired.
Through all of these things, I can't say it enough times: if you haven't already seen "Heathers," you need to. '80s movie or not, it's relatable and extremely fun to watch. My only piece of advice is to watch it with friends; you'll want someone who understands your quotes later on.
