Why Teenagers Today Need To Watch "The Edge Of Seventeen"
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why Teenagers Today Need To Watch "The Edge Of Seventeen"

The "Breakfast Club" for the modern generation

674
Why Teenagers Today Need To Watch "The Edge Of Seventeen"
Google Images

Kelly Freemon Craig's coming-of-age comedy, "The Edge of Seventeen," is this year's breakout hit; even earning Hailee Steinfeld a Golden Globe for her portrayal of the misfit teenage protagonist, Nadine Franklin. The movie is being hailed as the Breakfast Club of the "selfie generation," and has garnered critical acclaim for the accurate portrayal of a teenager's journey through adolescence and the struggles of fitting in within high school. The movie is laugh-out-loud hilarious with comedic charm demonstrated by both Steinfeld and Woody Harrelson (who plays the high school history teacher) and manages to tell a story that can be relatable to everyone and I mean everyone. Who can forget those good old high school days? I sure can't (as much as I try). Even though the movie has received an R-rating for "sexual content, language, and some drinking - all involving teens," I believe teenagers are the ones who need to see this movie the most. After watching this film, I found myself wishing that this kind of movie was made while I was attending high school because it would have given me some guidance on how to deal with everyday high school problems. *Minor spoilers ahead*

In the movie, Hailee Steinfeld's character, Nadine (a 17-year-old high schooler), hates her life after being constantly compared to her more successful older brother, Darian. Finding solace in only her best friend, Krista, and her history teacher, Mr. Bruner, Nadine tries to juggle the typical struggles of being in high school with her problems at home. However, Nadine's world becomes crazier when she discovers that Krista has begun a relationship with Darian (whom Nadine holds a huge grudge against).

The movie is great because it can be related by all viewers since everyone has experienced the "hardships" of high school. We have all embarrassed ourselves in front of our first crush or have lost a best friend over some minor disagreement. At the time, we thought these problems were catastrophic, end-of-the-world moments in our lives (just like Nadine), but as we grow older and more mature, we can look back at these instances and find humor in everything. Nadine tends to blow everything way out of proportion (as I am sure all of us had at one point in our life), but she comes to realize that by worrying about all the little things she didn't have, she completely took for granted the things in her life that are priceless (like the many people who truly care about her). She is so caught up in her own drama that she is completely oblivious to the problems others in her life are facing—they are just better at hiding it.

Furthermore, "The Edge of Seventeen" teaches us that high school drama shouldn't matter because they really are on the small scale of things as we get older and have more experiences. What we thought were humongous problems in high school are just grains of sand compared to the desert storm of issues we face as we grow into adults. Yes, it sucks but it is the truth and is just the process of growing up. All these life lessons that Nadine learns in "The Edge of Seventeen" are really useful to the teenagers growing up in this "selfie generation;" it demonstrates that one should not be selfish in thinking their problems are the only problems out there. There are greater issues facing the world today that reduce general teenage problems into minuscule worries.

So if you are a parent reading this, take your teenager to the theater to see this movie. You might even get a lot of belly laughs from it too! And to the teenagers, convince your parents that they should look past the R-rating because the movie contains many life lessons to be learned. As for the rest of you readers, you should just go see "The Edge of Seventeen" if you want to experience two hours of non-stop laughter and a relatable, heartwarming story. It definitely will not disappoint.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

69183
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

44107
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

969541
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments