My Take:
This film is a raw and incredibly honest portrait of first love that, instead of being a fairytale, becomes a complicated maze of emotions. Anne and Sasha's story isn't sugar-coated—it’s a tale of how painful self-discovery can be when school hierarchies, peer pressure, and awkward jealousy come into play. It’s the kind of cinema that occasionally causes discomfort because it captures teenage anxiety so faithfully.
What's Captivating: The realism. Dylan Gelula as Anne is phenomenal—she acts with her face, her eyes, and all of her uncertainty. The film brilliantly shows how social media and phones become tools for both connection and hurt. This isn't a movie about a "grand coming-out"; it’s about the small, difficult moments of growing up.
A Word of Caution: The narrative is non-linear—the film jumps through time, which requires focus from the viewer. Additionally, Anne's friend Clifton can be very irritating and toxic, which might be hard for some viewers to stomach, though it perfectly illustrates the realities of toxic masculinity in a school setting.
Verdict: 8.2/10 🏳️🌈
Intelligent, emotional, and painfully true. One of the best coming-of-age films of recent years.
🔍 Did you know...?
The film won the prestigious Audience Award (Best of NEXT) at the Sundance Film Festival, which paved the way for its international distribution. Director Kerem Sanga based the main character on his own observations and memories from high school, wanting to create a film that wouldn't be just another "teen comedy" but a reliable psychological drama.
