The Spectacular Now

James Ponsoldt’s new film, The Spectacular Now, has a charming, relatable, heartwarming story with a fabulous cast. Viewers are guaranteed to leave the theater feeling nostalgic and personally connected with the main character, Sutter Keely (Miles Teller). Sutter's gift and curse is his constant drive to live in the now. When the film begins the audience is introduced to an irresponsible impulsive teenager with no work ethic or true aspirations. Sutter uses his wit and charm to dodge every obstacle clouding his path until his girlfriend, Cassidy, realizes she is incapable of dealing with his lack of ambition. After Cassidy dumps Sutter, he numbs the pain the only way he knows how, with alcohol. Sutter is woken up the next morning on a stranger's lawn by Aimee Finecky (Shailene Woodley), a pure innocent girl who never attends parties, has few friends, and is tremendously obedient. Sutter is instantly interested in Aimee's way, and slowly, but surely, the teenagers fall in love. Conflicts with Aimee's controlling mother and Sutter's deadbeat father cause the couple to face overwhelming hardships. Sutter is ultimately challenged with the fact that living in the now may be detrimental to himself and the people he has come to love.  

The extremely realistic script of  The Spectacular Now sets this production above the typical high school film.  The relationship between Aimee and Sutter is raw, real, and enticing. The dialogue between the two young lovers withholds rich and powerful meaning with the help of wit, sarcasm, and subtle symbolism. Although Sutter is constantly making colossal mistakes, one can only love the positive, high spirited boy because of his beautiful way with words. The script never yields to reveal Sutter's genuine heart and Aimee's loveable personality as secrets unfold and the relationship is tested. Clear images of the past are meticulously painted with ease as the film progresses. Viewers are taken back to their high school years through the mind of a spontaneous naïve boy who finds love and, eventually, himself.