This is a spoiler-free advanced review of Booksmart from its premiere at SXSW. It opens in theaters on May 24, 2019.
Olivia Wilde makes her directorial debut with Booksmart, a whip-smart coming-of-age comedy for every girl who’s ever been called a “try-hard.” Following the film’s world premiere at SXSW, the actress-turned-director took to the stage before a packed house and confessed her ambition was to make a teen comedy on the level of a John Hughes classic. Like the overachievers at the heart of this ferociously funny film, she dreamed big, worked hard, and succeeded with flying colors. Wilde has made a coming-of-age comedy that’s sure to be a modern classic.
On the last day of senior year, best friends Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) are on top of the world. They scored valedictorian and salutatorian respectively and got accepted to their dream schools. Now all that’s left is graduation…and one more day with the hyperactive lunkheads they call classmates. But things take a turn when Molly discovers her peers’ hard-partying lifestyles didn’t prevent them from getting into prestigious universities. Outraged and stung with regret, Molly pushes Amy into making the most of their last night as seniors. Gearing up with lip balm, mace, and matching Rosie The Riveter-style jumpsuits, these good girls will hunt down the dopest house parties, dabble in club drugs, flirt with their secret crushes, and attempt a ludicrously ill-conceived hijacking using their hair as impromptu ski masks. It’ll be a wild night they’ll never forget, bringing not only hysterical shenanigans, but also a poignant story about a friendship at the precipice of a terrifying change.
Source: IGN.com Booksmart Review