Teenage Kicks (2016) is an exhilarating and heartfelt coming-of-age film that blends the raw energy of youth with the struggles of growing up in a world that feels too big and too small at the same time. Set in a small suburban town, Teenage Kicks follows the life of a group of teenagers trying to find themselves amidst the chaos of adolescence, friendship, and the desire to escape their small-town confines.
Plot Summary: The story centers on Alex (played by a rising star actor), a 16-year-old high school student who feels trapped in a small, unremarkable town. His best friends, Dave and Tara, are all caught up in the same wave of apathy and restlessness that comes with being a teenager, stuck in a rut without a clear direction. Alex spends most of his days daydreaming about a bigger life, fantasizing about leaving everything behind and heading off to somewhere far more exciting than his quiet, uneventful life.
Things take a turn when Alex meets Ruby (played by an up-and-coming actress), a new girl in town who isnβt afraid to be herself, full of ideas and energy that seem to spark something in Alex. Ruby encourages him to take risks, challenge his comfort zone, and, in the process, find out who he really is. But as Alex begins to open up and explore the world beyond his usual confines, he finds that the realities of love, loss, and self-discovery are not as simple as he once imagined.
As the film progresses, Alex and his friends navigate the ups and downs of teenage lifeβfriendships tested, first loves explored, and personal boundaries pushed. The filmβs heart lies in the internal and external battles each character faces, the tension between who they are and who they want to be, and the challenges they must overcome to step into adulthood.
Artistic Analysis: Teenage Kicks captures the essence of adolescence with a raw, gritty aesthetic that perfectly mirrors the emotional chaos of the characters. The cinematography is vibrant yet understated, often focusing on close-up shots that emphasize the charactersβ emotions, showing the awkwardness, confusion, and moments of clarity that define teenage life. The use of handheld cameras during key emotional moments gives the film an almost documentary-like feel, immersing the audience in the charactersβ experiences.
The soundtrack of Teenage Kicks is one of the standout elements of the film, with a perfect blend of indie rock, pop-punk, and alternative tracks that speak to the angst and excitement of youth. Each song is carefully chosen to complement the tone of the film, with certain tracks marking moments of growth, heartbreak, or rebellion. The music heightens the emotional intensity of the film, becoming a character in its own right, representing the energy and emotional turbulence that the teenagers feel.
Performances: The performances in Teenage Kicks are captivating, especially from the lead actor portraying Alex. He brings an authenticity to the role, perfectly capturing the vulnerability, restlessness, and the underlying yearning for something more that many teenagers experience. His portrayal of Alexβs journey is both tender and relatable, as he moves from uncertainty to self-discovery in a way that feels natural and earned.
Ruby, played by the talented actress, offers a dynamic and refreshing counterpoint to Alexβs hesitations. She brings a sense of freedom and confidence that challenges Alex to step out of his comfort zone, yet her character is not without flaws, which adds depth to the relationship. Their chemistry is palpable, and their evolving connection anchors the emotional core of the film.
The supporting cast of friends and classmates also does an excellent job of portraying the nuanced relationships between teenagers, from the awkward silences to the moments of camaraderie. Dave, Alexβs best friend, plays the role of the comic relief but also has moments of surprising emotional depth, showing the complexities of teenage male friendships.
Emotion: At its heart, Teenage Kicks is a film about the universal search for identity and belonging. It explores themes of self-discovery, the push and pull between staying in the safety of whatβs known versus venturing into the unknown, and the bittersweet realization that growing up often means facing uncomfortable truths. The film captures the innocence of youth, but also the painful moments of growth that come with itβthe first heartbreak, the fear of disappointing others, and the anxiety of not having everything figured out.
The emotional depth of the film lies in the small, intimate moments: the quiet realizations of who you are, the awkward conversations with friends, and the fleeting but intense experiences that shape a personβs teenage years. Teenage Kicks strikes a perfect balance between humor and drama, bringing light to the humor in everyday teenage life while also delving into the more serious struggles that many young people face. Itβs a film that captures both the exuberance and melancholy of being young.
Final Thoughts: Teenage Kicks is a poignant, energetic, and deeply relatable film that captures the essence of growing up with authenticity and emotional honesty. With a strong script, memorable performances, and a killer soundtrack, itβs a film that resonates with anyone whoβs ever struggled to figure out who they are and what they want from life. The characters are genuine, the themes are universal, and the emotional moments hit home. Whether youβre in your teens or reflecting on those years from a distance, Teenage Kicks will speak to anyone who remembers what itβs like to be caught between childhood and adulthood, dreaming of something more while grappling with what youβve left behind.
