Speech & Debate

Speech & Debate, directed by Dan Harris and released in 2017, is a vibrant, thought-provoking film centered around the timeless theme of youthful revolt, exploring modern stigma and self-discovery. The movie stars up-and-coming young talent such as Liam James, Sarah Steele, and Austin P. McKenzie, along with support from well-loved comedy performers like Jeremy Rowley, Jerry Leggio, and Wendi McLendon-Covey.

In the traditionally conservative town of Salem, Oregon, we step into the lives of three teenage outcasts; social misfit Solomon, budding journalist Diwata, and new kid Howie. Each of them is grappling with their individual battles, navigating the choppy waters of adolescence while coping with the suppression of their true identities.

Liam James plays Solomon, an ambitious and free-thinking high schooler who, despite struggling with the confines of small-town life, dreams of a career in journalism. However, the conservative school administration thwarts his attempts to expose not just the school's shortcomings, but also the town's deeply ingrained biases. Sarah Steele's Diwata is a firecracker with big dreams of stardom. Passionate about performing arts, she struggles to find an outlet for her love for drama and singing due to the school's monotonous drama department.

Austin P. McKenzie gives a heartfelt performance as Howie, a gay 18-year-old, who has recently moved to Salem after circumstances forced him out of his previous school. He battles against the school's unwillingness to start a Gay-Straight Alliance group, meeting resistance from the administration and the town alike.

Their world intersects when their frustration with the school's stringent policies prompts them to team up against the establishment. What unites them is their shared longing for an outlet, both for their individuality and their voices. Unable to use the traditional avenues of protest due to the stringent clampdowns by the adults in their world, they resurrect the defunct school club, the Speech and Debate team.

The Speech and Debate team becomes a symbolic battleground for expression and truth. It offers a safe place for these adolescents to express themselves as they navigate their way through a network of secrets, manipulation, and deceit to make their voices heard. Despite their differences, the protagonists find common ground as they channel their rampant frustrations, finding creative ways to tackle the societal norms that alienate them.

In true coming-of-age fashion, the story provides a sentimentally funny yet prickly portrayal of teen angst, rebellion, and companionship, providing a modern, insightful view of the struggles young people face. Through their quest for freedom of expression, the characters triumph in their tenacity, wit, and dedication, highlighting the power of unity in the face of oppression.

Mingling elements of drama, comedy, and musical, the movie is an adaptation of a successful off-Broadway play by the same name created by Stephen Karam, who also wrote the screenplay for this movie. It successfully transposes the relatable charm and spontaneity of stage to screen, making it an engaging exploration of youthful angst and bravery.

The film uses a sharp, witty narrative to challenge societal norms and prejudice while displaying a poignant exploration of adolescent idiosyncrasies. The characters' struggles to conform and the situation's absurdity are made enjoyable through the performances. Jeremy Rowley, Jerry Leggio, and Wendi McLendon-Covey offer excellent support that further enhances the movie’s charisma.

Speech & Debate incorporates a rich blend of humor and high emotion to effectively engage its audience while delivering a powerful message. Dan Harris superbly uses his directorial prowess to portray an honest, relatable story infused with humor, emotions, and social commentary, producing an entertaining depiction of the trials and tribulations of growing up.

In conclusion, Speech & Debate is a daring, entertaining, and thoughtful coming-of-age flick that transcends genre by integrating relevant societal issues with an intimate exploration of teenage camaraderie. It speaks volumes about bravery, expression, unity, and the power of youthful rebellion. This film is a must-watch for anyone seeking a balance of entertainment, drama, and meaningful dialogue.