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Written by: Elizabeth Berger & Isaac Aptaker (screenplay by), John Green (based on the book by)
Directed by: Hannah Marks
Starring: Isabela Merced, Cree Cicchino, Felix Mallard, Judy Reyes, J. Smith-Cameron
Rated: PG-13
Watch the trailer
Plot
A teenager with OCD tries to solve a mystery surrounding a fugitive billionaire.
Verdict
It's a well masked coming of age story that seems to present OCD realistically and in a way that's easy to understand. It's a great script, and that is the movie's strength. The depth of the characters, augmented by great performances from the two leads, prevent this from feeling like the generic, boring story we usually get from this genre. Aza has to figure out how to cope with her condition as it affects all aspects of her life. I do wish the second half felt as well plotted and natural as the first.
Watch It.
Review
This is the fifth John Green book adapted to a movie. In this story Aza (Isabela Merced) struggles with OCD centered on germs and bacteria. The opening montage does a lot of work in establishing her home life, but it's a missing billionaire that starts the story as Aza and her best friend Daisy (Cree Cicchino) want to find him and get the reward.
I like the small details. Aza loves her car despite the OutKast CD that's stuck in the player. She and Daisy frequent Applebees often, always using a coupon. These details build these characters, and along with the great performances, prevent the characters from feeling flat. This movie actually is a coming of age story. The depth prevents this from feeling like the boring standard offerings in the genre.
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| Isabela Merced, Cree Cicchino play Aza, Daisy |
Aza's intrusive thoughts about bacteria can distract her or send her spiraling. Daisy is her only friend as Aza thoughts make her difficult. Daisy can tell when she's spiraling, but it's difficult to distract Aza. She's concerned about her OCD and how she'll be perceived. When the thoughts pervade she has to sanitize her hands. What little I know about OCD, this seems to be a good representations.
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| Isabela Merced, Felix Mallard play Aza, Davis |
Aza used to be friends with the missing billionaire's son, Davis (Felix Mallard), but Aza doesn't go out much anymore. They like each other, but Aza is concerned her OCD will be too difficult while Davis is concerned she only likes him because he is rich. While Aza finds normalcy with Davis, it causes a rift with her mom who worries.
What I thought was a mystery turns out to a coming of age tale. Aza tries to balance her condition with her future and friends. She's confronted with hard truths from Daisy. Their friendship is one sided and all about Aza and her condition. Aza ends up in the hospital which sends her inner voice into overdrive.
This is well written, though it does feel a bit long. The conclusion is nice, even a bit too sweet and perfect. It is a great way to shortcut and give us a view of Aza's life. We get to see the potential, including her triumphs and problems.
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