(This is a spoiler-free review)
The Spectacular Now is a charming and organic story of Sutter Keely, a easygoing boy drawing to the end of his high school years. He lives by the philosophy of The Spectacular Now and concentrates solely on the the moments at hand. Despite his quick-wit and fast talk, Sutter is painfully confused and distant. Through his relationship with the sincere Aimee; acceptance of his unexpected breakup; and a reconciliation with his father, Sutter realises that the Now may not be as simple as he first thought.
This isn't a bland or typical teenage romance. This isn't predictable or cheesy or simply heart-felt. Instead, The Spectacular Now succeeds at being a kaleidoscopic and shockingly honest record of this boy's journey. There are confusions and illusions within many levels of his life and there are no doubts of this film's ability to portray realism. Teenage life - especially one that is balancing on the cusp of adulthood - is not simple at all. It has its expectations and betrayals and understandings and lessons. This film manages to capture them all with a satisfying mixture of humour and candor.*
Sutter was such an interesting character to undergo this exploration with. The beginning of the film really did him no favours. I didn't particularly warm to him or respect his decisions. However, I began to really care for him due to this true kindness within his personality that was impossible to ignore. Sutter radiated this multi-faceted mix of effortless charm and distracted sensitivity. It was in the little unspoken gestures which really illicited this vulnerable side of him. For example, the way Sutter is extremely charismatic to the customers of the suit store he works for and then turns around to douse his fountain soda with whiskey from his hip flask. He sips out of one of these strawed drinks for the duration of the film until it becomes this omnipresent symbol of his childish exterior with a hidden maturity within.
Miles Teller does a fantastic job reflecting this character. Not having any previous knowledge of his acting, I was blown away by his performance. Likewise, Shailene Woodley's portrayal of Aimee was strong and there wasn't a moment when I didn't believe Aimee's kindness.
I really liked the family arc for both Sutter and Aimee. Unlike a lot of teenage-centric film and literature, their backgrounds were addressed but weren't exaggerated. When Sutter finally meets his father, there is a simplicity in the way that it plays out. The same goes for the rest of the cinematography. It didn't need any outrageous dialogue or designer costume design or loud music. Every moment and every experience was stripped down and therefore felt all the more honest. This direction made the characters and their lives more believable. I think that's why Aimee and Sutter's on-screen relationship worked so well. It was effortless. The same goes for the ending which I think fit well within the format.
"But the real challenge of my life, the real hardship, is me. It's always been me."
I would highly recommend this film. It is a beautiful story of expectations, intentions and doubts. You never quite know what will happen next because that is ultimately what it is to be human. It's not about the relationship you have with your girlfriend or mother, father or boss. It's about the relationship you have with yourself. The one you never quite realise is there. A truly humbling viewing experience.
*Ha-de-har. With Miles Teller acting as the Candor-born initiate Peter in the upcoming Divergent, it was too good to miss this pun.
(Images from imdb.com and grande-caps.livejournal.com)
