Edge Of Seventeen

Edge of Seventeen is a wonderfully realized coming-of-age film about the one teen trauma John Hughes never touched: coming out. Set in Ohio in mid 80's it cleverly shows how the youngsters in that age would struggle with their sexuality and how they would have to brave all odds for that true love. The best thing about this film is that it remains true to most of the events and try to be very realistic.

Eric is your usual teenage boy who is discovering slowly that he prefers being with boys rather than girls. His best friend Maggie, who is not very sexually aggressive but she dreams of making love to Eric and being his girlfriend. It bothers Eric's mother to see the changing behavior of Eric but she feels helpless. Chris takes up a summer job at an amusement park cafeteria and meets Rod. Instant attraction leads to sex and now Eric is even more confused. But Rod has to now go back to university and Maggie and Eric have to go back to school. Eric comes out to Maggie who is heart broken but will still support Eric. Eric starts exploring gay scene in his town and starts frequenting a bar headed by Angie, a lesbian but more like a motherly figure. Eric is in love with Rod but distance makes this relationship go kaput. When Eric is forced to come out to his mom because of her growing suspicion, things don't improve. Eric meets another man in a bar who drags him to parking lot for a quickie. Both these events leave a bad impression in Eric who turns back to Maggie hoping that sex with her might change things. BUt as you can imagine, things dont change and it just leaves Maggie humiliated further. Finally Eric accepts who he is and is now ready to come out and be who he is.

Edge of Seventeen is a good movie with a dynamic cast. Considering the act that the film is set in 80's, it does a good job. Eric plays his part very well. He rapidly escalates fear and sense of being different and the confusion of his nice but conventional girlfriend and loving but uncomprehending parents. he movie doesn't shy away from touchy subjects and could-be uncomfortable moments either but they are dealt in such great manner that they are not uncomfortable to watch, and make you think about what is going on. An amiable little film which takes an honest look at its youthful subject, it is a good watch if you are very new to watching queer cinema. After a while, you then start for craving something fresh.

It has rough spots, but overall the film is very good, and definitely worth watching. (6.5/10)