Booksmart

Booksmart tells the story of two high school students, Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein), who have been inseparable since freshman year. Both girls are book-smart, and on the eve of their graduation, they are poised to leave their mark on the academic world. Amy is heading to Yale and Molly to Harvard, where they will excel in their respective fields, but as the night of their graduation approaches, they begin to reflect on their high school experience. Amy and Molly's relationship has been built on a foundation of academic excellence, with the girls consistently earning top grades and dominating various academic competitions. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a reputation as two of the smartest and most ambitious students in their class. However, as graduation draws near, the girls begin to feel a sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction. As they spend their last night together before graduation, Amy and Molly embark on a mission to experience everything they have missed out on during their four years of high school. They decide to ditch their pre-graduation party and instead, head out to explore the city, determined to cram four years of fun into one night. The girls' plans take them to Molly's ex's party, where they attempt to shed their book-smart image and indulge in some reckless fun. Amy, who is hesitant at first, eventually warms up to the idea of letting loose and having a good time. Molly, on the other hand, feels a sense of responsibility to protect and care for Amy, as she knows that their paths are diverging soon. Throughout their night, Amy and Molly take risks, push boundaries, and engage in various forms of self-discovery. Along the way, they meet a diverse cast of characters, including a free-spirited artist and a charming DJ. As the night wears on, the girls' adventures become increasingly surreal, and they find themselves embracing a sense of freedom and spontaneity that they have never experienced before. As the night reaches its climax, Amy and Molly face a series of personal challenges and confrontations. They encounter a series of setbacks, including car troubles, awkward encounters, and the revelation that their academic achievements may not be as valued in the real world as they thought. Despite these obstacles, the girls refuse to give up and continue to push the limits of their fun and exploration. Throughout Booksmart, writer-director Olivia Wilde pays homage to various classic coming-of-age films, including American Graffiti, Superbad, and Mean Girls. However, the film also offers a distinct and unique perspective on the experiences of women in high school. Wilde's film explores the pressures that girls often face to conform to societal expectations, as well as the challenges of forging and maintaining female friendships in a world dominated by masculine ideals. Booksmart is a film about self-discovery, empowerment, and the importance of embracing one's true nature. As Amy and Molly navigate the ups and downs of their night, they are forced to confront their own identities, desires, and aspirations. Through their experiences, the film shows that true liberation and fulfillment can be found in embracing our individuality and living in the moment, rather than conforming to societal expectations. The performances by Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein are exceptional, bringing depth and nuance to their characters' journey. The supporting cast, including Billie Lourd, Jason Mantzoukas, and Lisa Kudrow, add to the film's humor and charm. Booksmart is a joyous, irreverent, and unapologetic celebration of female friendship, creativity, and self-expression, making it a timeless and unforgettable coming-of-age classic.