Booksmart (2019)

Booksmart is that rare teen comedy that’s actually as smart as its characters, bursting with wit and sweetness while still landing big, laugh-out-loud set pieces. Olivia Wilde directs with a confident, kinetic touch, turning one frantic, sleep-deprived night into a warm little epic about friendship, identity, and the panic of realizing you might’ve missed out on being young. Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever have the kind of lived-in chemistry that makes every bicker, dare, and vulnerable pause feel real, so the movie’s heart sneaks up on you between the punchlines. It’s raunchy and chaotic in places, with strong language, drugs, and sexual humor, so it won’t be for everyone—but if you want a fresh coming-of-age comedy that’s both hilarious and surprisingly humane, this one earns its hype.

Booksmart is trying to be a modern, big-hearted coming-of-age comedy about two overachievers cramming a lifetime of teenage “fun” into one chaotic night, and it mostly succeeds on charm and energy. The leads are genuinely funny and likable, and the movie has a sweet, non-cynical streak that keeps it from feeling mean. But it’s also hyperactive to a fault: the night turns into a conveyor belt of set pieces, and the constant escalation can feel busy, like it’s juggling three different comedies at once. If you want a tighter, more grounded teen comedy or you’re not into loud, druggy, profanity-heavy chaos, this might wear you out even if you appreciate what it’s aiming for.