2016 has been an interesting year for movies. We got a new a new Disney princess movie, more unasked for remakes of classics, and more disappointing superhero films. And of course, a whole mess of movie sequels. But everyone once in a while, we're given a rare exception: a film that isn't made to make billions of dollars; a film that isn't marketed to attract the masses. A movie that isn't made with an insanely huge budget, and doesn't rely on an overused idea. This year saw a unique summer film, and my favorite one of the year: "Nerve."
Based on the book of the same title (written by Jeanne Ryan), "Nerve" follows the life of high school senior, Vee (played by Emma Roberts). She is a sheltered, shy teen, who is debating whether to go to a college far away, or stay close to home and close to her paranoid mother. Vee's best friend is Sydney, an outgoing cheerleader- always the life of the party. One day, Sydney introduces Vee to a new game called Nerve, which Sydney has become very well known for. Nerve is an online gamer where users are either "players" or "watchers." The "players" are given challenges that they're paid for if they're completed, and the "watchers" come up with challenges and, well, watch. The player challenges could be anywhere from embarrassing, to dangerous. Vee's friend are convinced that she's more of a viewer because of her quiet, unassuming personality. But Vee tries to prove them all wrong by signing up for Nerve as a player. Vee meets another player named Ian (played by Dave Franco), and they begin to play Nerve as partners. At first, the two of them have fun taking risks together, but soon realize they may be in over their heads. The game of Nerve might cost them their friendships, or even their lives.
"Nerve" isn't your average teen movie, or your average thriller. It finds a way to combine the best of both genres. And most of all, it really makes you think. It's a fun film, but it has a strong commentary on the digital age. It begs the question: does social media rule our lives? Or are we giving over our lives to social media freely? "Nerve" also follows the common teen perception that if something isn't seen on social media, that it's almost as if it never happened. "Nerve" has a subtle way of touching on issues like trusting and distrusting people you've met online, as how things posted on social media can sometimes ruin relationships with people in one's life. And best of all, the subject matter of "Nerve" appeals to millennials, but doesn't make them look stupid.
Because of this and so many more unique qualities of the film, "Nerve" is a great film for everyone living in the year 2016. No matter who is watching, everyone can find something to relate to.
