Booksmart

Booksmart

Dir. Olivia Wilde

United Artists Releasing

Coming-of-age, teen party comedies are a well-trodden territory. However, it’s been rare over the years that they’ve tried to tell these stories authentically from a female perspective. Booksmart succeeds in this endeavor as it tells the story of two nerdy, over-achieving girls who realize they’ve alienated themselves from their peers and attempt to gain acceptance at a final graduation bash. Though the film immediately drew comparisons to 2007’s Superbad, Booksmart achieves depth and nuance Superbad just couldn’t get to. Helmed by director Olivia Wilde and brought to life with stars Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever, Booksmart is one not to miss. (Simon Weedn)