All articles tagged with #coming of age
Australian-born writer-director Amy Wang's Slanted uses a cosmetic-clinic twist to turn people of color white, turning the dream of an all-American ideal into a nightmare that probes immigrant families, identity, and the pressure to belong; a satirical yet visceral body-horror coming-of-age story that won the 2025 SXSW narrative feature grand jury prize.
THR unveils a first look at The Testaments, the Handmaid’s Tale sequel series on Hulu, described as a coming-of-age thriller set in Gilead. Taking place four years after the original, the show follows Agnes, the daughter of the heroine June Osborne, as she grows up under the regime and trains for life as a wife while a resistance movement gathers. Based on Margaret Atwood’s novel, The Testaments is from showrunner Bruce Miller with Ann Dowd returning as Aunt Lydia; Chase Infiniti leads the new cast. The series premieres April 8 with three episodes, followed by weekly episodes on Hulu and Disney+-bundled subscriptions.
In a Cannes profile, Alexander Skarsgård talks about his new film Pillion, a tender yet provocative story in which a young man enters a BDSM-flavored romance with a biker, directed by Harry Lighton. He explains why the project drew him in, how the intimate scenes serve the character, and how collaboration with co-star Harry Melling and a real Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club informed authenticity. He also discusses his career philosophy of taking on creatively fulfilling work over high pay and touches on upcoming projects like The Moment, Wicker, and Murderbot.
Australian director Adrian Chiarella’s Leviticus uses a supernatural curse to cast queer desire as a deadly threat in a small-town setting, following Naim and Ryan as their secret romance collides with a conversion-therapy ritual and a malevolent manifestation that only appears when they’re alone. The film blends It Follows style dread with a haunting romance, delivering sharp social commentary on homophobia without resorting to easy stereotypes, anchored by solid performances from Joe Bird, Stacy Clausen, and Mia Wasikowska. At 86 minutes it moves briskly, though the final stretch tightens its grip with a bold, bittersweet ending underscored by a Frank Ocean track, making Leviticus a standout Sundance entry seeking distribution.
A cheeky, bittersweet coming-of-age debut, Extra Geography tracks two best friends at a UK boarding school as their bond frays under ambition, envy, and first crushes; anchored by standout performances from newcomers Galaxie Clear and Marni Duggan, the film blends sharp wit with tender heartbreak, and is premiering at Sundance with distribution hoped for.
Jennette McCurdy, famed for I'm Glad My Mom Died, releases her debut novel Half His Age, a provocative Alaska-set coming-of-age tale about a 17-year-old girl who enters an age-gap relationship with her middle-aged, married English teacher. In interviews she frames the book as a way to tell truth through difficult, unflinching material, discuss her shift from acting to writing, and outline adaptations and future projects, including a film version and an Apple TV+ series based on her memoir.
Adventureland is a nostalgic, feel-good coming-of-age film set in 1987 that captures the bittersweet and humorous experiences of youth working at a theme park, evoking a sense of euphoric escapism and personal reflection.
Maude Apatow's directorial debut 'Poetic License' is a warm but aimless campus comedy about a middle-aged woman who becomes entangled in the lives of two college students, featuring strong performances but lacking a clear narrative focus and depth.
Maude Apatow makes her directorial debut with 'Poetic License,' a coming-of-age comedy highlighted by strong performances from Cooper Hoffman and Andrew Barth Feldman at TIFF, showcasing the potential for great family-run comedy films.
Japan's Prince Hisahito, the first male royal to reach adulthood in 40 years, has celebrated his coming-of-age ceremony, highlighting ongoing debates over the country's male-only royal succession policy amid concerns about the shrinking and aging imperial family. Hisahito, second in line to the throne, is likely to become emperor, but the tradition limits succession to males, raising questions about the future of the monarchy, especially with his sister Mako having left the royal family after marriage.
Japan celebrated the coming of age of Prince Hisahito with a ceremony at the Imperial Palace, amid ongoing concerns about a potential succession crisis as he prepares to become a future emperor.
Green Day teases a new comedy film, 'New Years Rev,' about three friends who embark on a road trip believing they've secured a chance to open for Green Day at a New Year's Eve concert, with the film featuring Green Day's music and a cast including Mason Thames and Jenna Fischer, premiering at TIFF.
Universal Pictures is re-releasing 'The Breakfast Club' in theaters on September 7 and 10 to celebrate its 40th anniversary, highlighting its cultural impact and enduring popularity among audiences.
Director Wade Allain-Marcus' remake of "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead" breathes new life into the '90s classic, infusing it with modern humor and a focus on a Black family's coming-of-age journey. The film cleverly reworks the original story, emphasizing familial ties and addressing timely topics like fast fashion and privilege, while incorporating nostalgic nods and signature aesthetic flourishes. Lead actress Simone Joy Jones shines alongside a talented ensemble, delivering a genuinely funny, charming, and sincere update that resonates in contemporary times.
Rudy Mancuso's debut feature film "Música" explores a charming coming-of-age story with a unique aesthetic, drawing from the director's personal experiences and synesthesia. The film follows Rudy's struggles with an uncertain future, a breakup, and a budding romance with a Brazilian woman, played by Camila Mendes. While the film's visual flair and humor shine, the narrative at times feels thin, with predictable plot points and underdeveloped characters. Despite this, "Música" offers an engaging glimpse into Mancuso's singular worldview and creative spirit.