Audience Member
This movie is a hidden gem. Once you get through the first couple scenes, you start to get invested in the friend group drama and the camera work adds to the authenticity. It feels nostalgic and is definitely relatable, making you want to see it through to the end and see the outcome. It really feels genuine, especially in moments where the characters are being vulnerable and "turn off" the camera, but they just put it down at a hidden angle. It made me think back on great high school memories and left me with a pure, light hearted feeling. If you're looking for a cute, feel good movie then this is for you. Even if you're not, you should still give it a watch!
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
02/22/23
Full Review
Audience Member
What initially comes off as a purely nostalgic effort transforms into a vulnerable portrayal of late-teen frustration. I feel some stylistic similarity to American Vandal, which I think is a good thing. The pacing is mostly good (the ends of each year segment get a little slow), and the camera work improves as the film progresses.
I'm admittedly not super invested in the conflict, since I've had the same experience as the two romantic leads multiple times over. But, I feel like the unique form and the plot's universality will really resonate with people in their late teens. The music is great too!
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/20/23
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Audience Member
I'll Never Forget My High School Friends is a film exploring the way that adolescent bonds dissolve as we enter adulthood. The film does a pitch perfect job of capturing that experience, which feels sad and scary when it's happening, but is ultimately a critical part of growth. The film borrows some techniques from handheld camera/found footage style movies, ones that are typically in the horror genre, but the cinema verite-style approach serves a different purpose here. It allows the complicated mixture of emotions to play out onscreen with minimal filmmaker cues as to how we should feel about it. The cameras capturing the action are diegetic, held by our characters themselves for the purpose of documenting this time in their lives for future posterity. This brings with it some of the clichés we're seen in these types of films, such as arguments about shooting during intimate discussions, and some uncomfortable "hidden camera" exchanges. There are also moments where the teenage drama may feel a bit aimless, particularly for older viewers, but it all works in service of creating an authenticity for the film overall. I personally walked away with a feeling that this did an excellent job of depicting growing pains on a personal level, reflecting moments that are difficult, but also inevitable, leading the way toward happiness.
There are an array of personalities in this group; ones that want to goof off, ones that are more intense, and at least a couple that are an awkward mix. The structure of their friendship has carried them through their high school years, but has served its' purpose, and it's time to move on. It's a highly captivating story that covers a range of emotions, but undercuts your expectations as a viewer. It complicates them, and proves to be a far more mature and insightful document of young adulthood than what you might expect going in. I found myself frequently having to reconsider my attitude towards different characters based on things that they did onscreen. There is a very carefully crafted narrative here that slowly reveals the characters to us, but as it does so, they become less quantifiable. This in itself makes it compelling, but what makes it a great film is the way that this experience is mirrored by the characters amongst themselves. At the start of the film, the group is entirely carefree, and their discussions and activities are all about having fun. But slowly, as if by one minor obstacle at a time, challenges are thrown into the mix. It's small disagreements or miscommunications at first, but as they begin to accumulate, we see there is a shift happening that is irreversible once begun. They have changed as people, and no amount of hopeful denial can override the inevitable fracturing of relationships. When observed in the straightforward way this film presents it, it's a rather brutal thing to see at times. I was surprised by the emotions that it managed to elicit with its' resolution full of hard, but beautiful truths, and characters full of nuance. It's a highly thoughtful and effective film that looks carefully at a time that is difficult to understand, but vital in shaping who we become. I definitely recommend giving it a watch.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/22/23
Full Review
Audience Member
This is an amazing coming of age film. You can feel so many powerful emotions throughout the film!! You will definitely relate to many of situations that the character's experience. Give it a watch and you will not be disappointed!!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/05/23
Full Review
Audience Member
I'll never forget my high school friends is a heartfelt and at times emotional film that captures the essence of growing up and going your separate ways perfectly. Usually, films about growing up are cliche and repetitive, it's not to say that this film doesn't have some cliche parts however but, the actors play their roles really well and cover up these moments excellently whilst feeling like true teenagers spending their last summers together. The handheld camera style of filming really suits the film as we see two different perspectives on life and I really enjoyed that. Although the pacing is a bit off at times, I really enjoyed this film and is well worth a watch.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/15/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Even if documentary type of genre is not my cup of tea, I still managed to watch the full movie without any reasons not to. The movie gave off some poignant vibes that everyone at all ages can relate to. The cinematography and shots of scenery are spot on aesthetic and the ending soundtrack will give you that "oh shit, I miss my friends" type of feels. The movie is so raw and natural that you'll feel that you're also part of the group and in the situation. The movie scenes need a little effort to give its full effect on the audience because not all viewers have the same attention span. As per the synopsis, "five high school friends documented themselves" is inaccurate since only two characters are able to film their lives and the rest are just extras.
The actors did a great job because it feels so real and natural. The way they deliver their lines even to their minimal scenes shows a lot of their character. All though, as a type of person who always look forward to redemption, I was expecting for a character development from all of them. But, as the movie depicts the sad reality of this world, I kind of understand that there is none. It would be nice if there are scenes wherein they show what happened to all of them and not just leaving them with no trace at all.
Overall this movie has its romance, highs and lows of the youth, adventure and nostalgia. This movie captures a slice of life of what it's like to be young and free-spirited again that everyone wants to go back to for every once in a while
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
02/04/23
Full Review
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