With Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts playing the two main characters here, this movie should have taken right off. For some reason, it didn’t. I suppose it’s because it’s not your typical funny, playful, romantic chick-flick. Instead, it’s honest, raw, sad, a little funny sometimes, and sort of romantic but not really.
Plot Overview
The premise of the movie is pretty simple: George is a loner, he’s a bit of a pessimist. He doesn’t do homework and skips classes. Sally is pretty, more popular, but still a little rough around the edges. They become friends during a chance encounter involving a prohibited cigarette.
The movie follows their relationship and sees them through their senior year of high school.
My Thoughts
This movie will evoke some strong emotions. It’s not a happy-go-lucky romance. It’s filled with loss and disappointment, and a very tragic love triangle.
While not all depressing, this movie definitely has a darker undertone. There are things that will make you angry, and things that will make you sad. You’ll be asking yourself “why” more than once. There is a small glimmer of hope that weaves it’s way into their lives at one point, and it really becomes all you have to hold on to.
I think that is what draws me to this story. The story of two not-so-perfect and not-entirely-happy teenagers just trying to figure out what to do. It’s not your typical relationship, it’s not your typical romance, and it’s not your typical ending. It’s raw, and it’s real. And it’s incredibly well done.
Characters
This movie has a very interesting cast of characters. George is the focus of the movie, and he’s got a lot going on. He’s failing school but doesn’t really care, until Sally comes along and his love for her begins to bring out the best in him. Sally is a good person at heart, and she means well, but she’s got a real rough exterior. She has a bit of a “do what you want” kind of attitude, and she follows it. She cares about other people – but she’s also pretty focused on herself.
Acting
For a relatively low-budget film, the acting is incredible. Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts put on exceptional performances as George and Sally. I think they really got everything right. The emotions they’re feeling, their opinions, and the way they interact with each other. It looks like they fully understand what makes these characters tick and they leverage this knowledge throughout the film, and they really do become George and Sally.
Even the supporting roles in this movie are well done. My personal favourite is George’s art teacher. While not a big character at all, he’s an important one. Even though George skips classes and slacks off to the max, this teacher understands him, and he knows what George really needs to succeed.
Conclusion
If your’e looking for something a little different from your usual chick-flick, something that will draw out a few more emotions and make you think a little harder, then this movie is for you. If you’re looking for a nice little romance with lots of predictable happy moments, then I suggest you back away slowly.
Have you seen The Art of Getting By? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Want to Watch?
it is available for purchase on Amazon:
Haven’t seen or heard of this movie yet, but just actors names Make me want to go. I usually enjoy slightly dark movies and this one judging from you review looks pretty interesting.
You say it is tragic. I just j hopenobody dies, but I guess that would be telling. Keep them coming.
Really glad you enjoyed the review 🙂 definitely one to check out if you like something a little darker!