Coming-of-age movies have become a staple of Western films and cinema.
Growing up is not a clear, linear path; Film News Blitz writer Madi Chantry lists a series of films that explore those different routes.
‘Perks of Being a Wallflower’ (released 2012)
Written and directed by Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower follows the story of Charlie Kelmeckis (Logan Lerman) transitioning into high school and adulthood.
Charlie tries to navigate his new start as a freshman alongside his introversion, mental illness, and trauma.
He writes letters to an anonymous friend about his struggles, including his repressed emotions about his friend who took his own life.
The film delves into the themes of love, loss, and the search for identity.
Charlie learns to put himself out there when he befriends two seniors, Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller), so that he does not miss out on life.
‘Dead Poets Society’ (released 1989)
Directed by Peter Weir, Dead Poets Society is about a group of young boys at boarding school who learn the meaning of life by reading poetry set by their English teacher, Mr John Keating (Robin Williams).
The film, set in 1959, showcases the concepts of status quo, elitism, and conservative values. Throughout the film, the group challenges these societal pressures and reclaims their individuality.
Mr John Keating inspires his students to “seize the day” (carpe diem) through poetry, and the boys, including Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke) and Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), bring back the “Dead Poets Society” to follow their dreams.
‘The Breakfast Club’ (released 1985)
Directed by John Hughes, The Breakfast Club brings together teenagers from different high school cliques after they are all given Saturday detention.
The group includes Andrew the athlete (Emilio Estevez), Brian the nerd (Anthony Michael Hall), Bender the criminal (Judd Nelson), Claire the princess (Molly Ringwald), and Allison the basket case (Ally Sheedy).
Over the course of the day, they get over their oppositions and instead share their vulnerabilities and personal stories.
Their bond is cemented, but hidden, as they fear that their friendships will not continue on Monday, when school starts again, because of peer pressure.
‘The Edge of Seventeen’ (released 2016)
Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, The Edge of Seventeen is about a 17-year-old girl, Nadine Franklin (Hailee Steinfeld), who is a junior in high school, dealing with grief from her father’s death, dysfunctional family dynamics, and anxiety.
Nadine experiences intense loneliness and confides in her teacher, Mr Bruner (Woody Harrelson).
As the film goes on, Nadine goes through a period of growth and self-discovery, leading to self-acceptance.
‘Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret’ (released 2023)
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret is a film adaptation of Judy Blume’s classic novel.
It follows an 11-year-old girl called Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Fortson) who is experiencing the highs and lows of puberty, friendship, and a search for her religious identity.
While making new friends and navigating sixth grade, Margaret tries to find her own religion by having private conversations with God because her mother (Rachel McAdams) is Christian, and her father (Benny Safdie) is Jewish.
‘Love, Rosie’ (released 2014)
Directed by Christian Ditter, Love, Rosie stars Lily Collins as Rosie Dunne and Sam Claflin as Alex Stewart.
Rosie and Alex have been best friends for several years, but they both secretly always wanted more.
At 18, Rosie gets pregnant, but does not want to tell Alex. He moves away to Boston for university, and Rosie decides not to go.
She gives birth and struggles as a single, low-income mother.
After missed opportunities and years of long-distance separation, Rosie and Alex realise they are meant for each other.
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