Culture

Rating: 4/5

Watch the first five minutes of any coming-of-age film and you’ll be able to guess exactly what happens in the next 85. The Way Way Back is no exception, and yet the film is so charmingly pleasant that not only do you not mind its predictability, you actually relish it.

The reasons for this are numerous, but most important are its gorgeously written script and stellar cast. It seems to be a growing trend to jam pack movies with as many stars as possible, and this film is proof that it works. Stars known for their comedic ability, such as Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Sam Rockwell and Maya Rudolph offer not only their usual hilarious repartee but also some gut-wrenching dramatic performances. Carell in particular gives a performance that many people would not have believed him capable of.

The impressive acting was highlighted by the stunning script and superb direction from Jim Rash (who you may know as Dean Craig Pelton from Community) and Nat Faxo. This duo is riding high on the success of Oscar-winning The Descendants, and it shows. You can feel a sort of confidence in the script that makes the film particularly engaging.

The Way Way Back deals with many of the themes and tropes that could be expected from this kind of movie, including the angst of being a teenager, feeling alone, and first love. However, it is rare to see these ideas handled with the level of skill and tact offered by The Way Way Back. Being able to sit through scenes that deal with such emotions without cringing enables you to appreciate them in a way few other films allow.

Movies like this make you realise why coming-of-age stories are important – growing up is a universal experience, and this movie reminds you of that. I didn’t want it to end.