Mainstream

R

Released May 7, 2021

1 hr. 34 min.

Comedy

Drama

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List

36%

33 Reviews

Tomatometer

42%

100+ Ratings

Audience Score

In MAINSTREAM, a young woman (Maya Hawke) thinks she's found a path to internet stardom when she starts making YouTube videos with a charismatic stranger (Andrew Garfield) -- until the dark side of viral celebrity threatens to ruin them both.

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Premiered Jul 18

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Critics Consensus

Mainstream makes a vain attempt to satirize viral fame, settling instead for obvious commentary that feels painfully dated.

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Molly M

Directed by Gia Coppola, 'Mainstream' is a cliché comedy-drama that follows three Los Angeles residents on their path to internet stardom. The 94-minute feature is yet another film that shows its viewers the overexploited dangers of technology and social media. Viewers first meet Frankie (Maya Hawke), a young woman living in West Hollywood, haunted by her father's death. She works at a mundane job bartending with her friend Jake, with no idea of what she wants to do with her life except run her struggling Youtube channel. She soon encounters charismatic stranger Link (Andrew Garfield), who intrigues Frankie with his anti-technology, anti-social media views. Frankie, Link and Jake create a Youtube channel under the name 'No One Special' that focuses around a stereotypical, narcissistic influencer played by Link. As their channel gains traction, they are catapulted into internet stardom and are soon rubbing shoulders with some of the most popular influencers in LA. However, this new perfect life doesn't last forever - Tensions arise, business slows down. But when one of 'No One Special's videos drives a girl to suicide, will it all fall down or will they relish in their newfound fame? Maya Hawke gives a profound performance in the lead role, but her chemistry with co-star Andrew Garfield can't help but fall flat. However, Garfield plays Link as the unique, energetic character he's supposed to be. Don't be alarmed if you think 'Link' bears some resemblance to Nicolas Cage; the character is based on him, who is Coppola's second cousin. Nat Wolff gives a good performance as the typical boy best friend, hopelessly in love with the female lead. Although 'Mainstream' radiates a sense of idiosyncrasy, it can't help but make use of all the stereotypical tropes viewers would've seen plenty of times before. Be it the idea that phones and social media are toxic, or the naive girl enamoured by the charismatic stranger into a whole new world, while the loyal best friend is left behind. Either way, there's a high chance you've seen a film almost identical to 'Mainstream' without even realising it. One of the few unique things about 'Mainstream' is that their fame is limited; they might be one of the biggest channels on youtube, but if you ask a Hollywood celebrity who they are, they would probably have no clue. That's the thing that grounds it into the real world, it's much harder to get famous in Hollywood than it is to get famous on social media. Autumn Durald provides 'Mainstream' with beautiful cinematography that compliments the editing to a T. The editing, courtesy of Glen Scantlebury, also coincides with the techno, contemporary aesthetic of the film. If you're looking for other films that explore and highlight the dangers of social media and technology, the 2020 documentary 'The Social Dilemma' should be on your radar. As should the comedy thriller 'Spree', which stars Hawke's Stranger Things co-star Joe Keery. Something Coppola does well is to capture internet culture in a somewhat accurate way. She includes real influencers and celebrities: including the controversial Jake Paul, Patrick Starrr and Riverdale actor Charles Melton. But as well as directing, Coppola also penned the screenplay for the film alongside Tom Stuart. The two create a brilliantly written, smooth flowing mixture of sincere, passionate moments and hilarious comedy. All in all, Gia Coppola gives viewers an above-average film that features both over-used themes as well as derivative plotlines and subplots that you've probably seen many times

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

amelia n

I watched the movie despite rather harsh reviews from critics, and I can safely say that it was a great decision. A shocking portrayal of, even if maybe a little outdated and slightly exaggerated, the behind the scenes of internet stars and the consequences of their actions.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Happy

difficult...... but it's greate movie. It has many different meanings and subtexts and everyone can understand it in their own way. And the film's ratings are a confirmation of my words. I hope you enjoyed the movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/16/22

Full Review

Audience Member

A very strong first act and a manically self deprecating performance by Garfield on par with Robin Williams in Fisher King. The movie quickly devolves in the second act into a dark and heavy handed meditation on narcissism. Disappointing considering how much Garfield and the rest of the cast bring to their roles. There are however some interesting moments and visuals through out.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I was hoping it'd be good like Under the Silver Lake but it was pretty boring.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

Full Review

gabriella b

The only saving grace for this movie is Andrew Garfield's performance.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

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Gia Coppola

Director

Andrew Garfield

Link

Maya Hawke

Frankie

Nat Wolff

Jake

Jason Schwartzman

Mark Schwartz

Johnny Knoxville

Ted Wick

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Mainstream: Teaser Trailer

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Mainstream: Trailer 1

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Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

Once "Mainstream" locks into its purpose - showing the vapidity, cruelty and calculation of certain YouTube stars - it soars.

Rated: 2.5/4

May 20, 2021

Full Review

Katie Rife

AV Club

A more incisive film would have something to say about using empty spectacle to comment on empty spectacle.

Rated: C-

May 8, 2021

Full Review

Isaac Feldberg

RogerEbert.com

[Mainstream] drills down hard into its subject, jettisoning Coppola's previous restraint in favor of a more confrontational and graceless hyperactivity.

Rated: 2/4

May 7, 2021

Full Review

Mo Muzammal

Vague Visages

Though some of Mainstream’s criticisms are understandable and others questionable, the film proves unafraid and daring in its ambitious stylistic choices, memorable central performance and dystopian vision.

Jul 27, 2023

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a progressively hit-and-miss endeavor...

Rated: 2/4

Jun 17, 2023

Full Review

Dallas King

Flick Feast

Its message may be muddled but thanks to Garfield’s mesmerising performance, Mainstream is certainly clickworthy.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 12, 2022

Full Review

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Synopsis

In MAINSTREAM, a young woman (Maya Hawke) thinks she's found a path to internet stardom when she starts making YouTube videos with a charismatic stranger (Andrew Garfield) -- until the dark side of viral celebrity threatens to ruin them both.

Director: Gia Coppola
Executive Producer: Amy Jarvela, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Michael Musante, André Novis, Tom Stuart, Greta Seacat, Scott Veltri
Screenwriter: Tom Stuart, Gia Coppola
Distributor: IFC Films
Production Co: Paint Night Productions, Automatik Entertainment, American Zoetrope, Assemble Media, TUGAWOOD Pictures, Artemis Film, Dynasty Pictures (II)
Rating: R (Some Graphic Nudity|Pervasive Language)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 7, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 7, 2021
Box Office (Gross USA): $35.5K
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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