Director: Robert Redford

Wow. What a phenomenal movie. I’m always skeptical or a bit skid-dish when it comes to new movies , I act in contrast to the old cliche, “don’t judge a book by its cover”. But, this movie by far, should not be judged.

From the nostalgic cinematography of the 1980’s to the depth of the script, I ended the movie in tears. The director, Robert Redford, did a wonderful job both visually illustrating the “perfection” we portray to the world through the big house, fancy clothes, and acting performance; and then really saturating the script and dialogue with the reality of our internal world.

Conrad, the main character, demonstrates growth in the arc of a 2 hour movie alone. I was pulled in myself, paralleling the movie and the world I grew up in. I also found it fascinating how Robert Redford portrays the life of a White-American and the “world” they grow up- in. With this portrayal, he gives the audience a chance to sincerely empathize with a worldview and perspective. A perspective for me that I found insightful.

For any teen, honestly , any human being trying to make sense or reconcile their own internal world, this is a foundational movie that can grant-context to that significant facet of life.