SPF-18

SPF-18 is a 2017 American coming-of-age romantic drama directed by Alex Israel and co-written by Israel and Michael Berk. This film features an ensemble cast that includes Carson Meyer, Noah Centineo, Bianca A. Santos, Jackson White, Molly Ringwald, and Rosanna Arquette. This sun-soaked drama also impresses with cameos from famous faces such as Keanu Reeves and Pamela Anderson, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to its storyline.

The movie involves themes of love, self-discovery, and the complex transition that is teenagehood. Set against the sunny backdrop of Malibu, California, the viewer is instantly drawn into a world of beautiful people, scenic beaches, and the famous surf culture that California is known for. However, beneath this seemingly picture-perfect ambiance, the characters deal with emotional complexities and personal upheavals, making it a realistic portrayal of young adult life.

Carson Meyer plays Penny Cooper, a young woman who recently graduated from high school and is preparing to kick off her summer before heading to college. Penny is an inspiring character who set her goal to use the summer to delve into her passion for music and songwriting. This cheerful young woman carries a weight on her shoulders, grieving the tragic loss of her mother at a young age.

Noah Centineo, famed for his charming roles in other teen romance films, plays Johnny Sanders Jr., a popular surfing prodigy. Johnny is dealing with the complexities of fame and the recent loss of his father. Skateboarding legend, Tony Hawk, played Johnny’s father, whose death is a pivotal plot point. Johnny is inherently struggling to reconcile his father's larger-than-life image with his firsthand experience of his father's human flaws and vulnerabilities.

Bianca A. Santos features as Camilla, Penny’s cousin, who flies from New York to surprise her. With her free-spirited nature, Camila brings a thrum of energy and urban charm to the surf town. Meanwhile, Jackson White plays Ash, an indie musician visiting Malibu, who sparks a connection with Penny.

The movie evolves around this group of friends’ innocent summer adventure, their surfing expeditions, and their encounters with self-realization, authenticity, and love. The Malibu house in which Johnny is left alone becomes the ad hoc gathering spot for the summer shenanigans of the main characters. At the same time, the house serves as a physical embodiment of Johnny’s struggle with his father’s legacy.

As the characters navigate the sunny Malibu summer, they also have to navigate the tricky waves of their inter-personal dynamics. SPF-18 lavishly dips into the youthful love triangle that forms, when feelings and attractions intensify under the sizzling California sun, and emotions begin to surface in the most unexpected of ways. The drama intricately shows how the characters, insecure and tender in dealing with these emotions, affect their unique friendship and relationship dynamics.

SPF-18 is not just a light-hearted youthful summer saga but also a meaningful reflection on grief, dreams, love, and the concept of legacy. It examines how the characters grapple with their respective griefs – Penny with her mother and Johnny with his father. It also eloquently reflects upon the heavy burdens of legacy and expectations that the younger generation often finds thrust upon themselves.

Beyond its captivating plot, SPF-18 features evocative cinematography that soaks in the sprawling beaches, turquoise waves, and charming Malibu houses. The film's visually stunning scenes, shot by cinematographer, Sean Conaty, highlights the movie’s youthful esthetics while accentuating the atmospheric beauty of Malibu. Paired with its pulsating soundtrack, this movie captures the rhythm of the beach lifestyle in all its glory.

In summary, SPF-18 is an endearing coming-of-age drama that beautifully intertwines romance, friendship, surfing, and the delightful Malibu summer. It's an ideal film for people who love teen romance and enjoy watching character progression and heartfelt emotional scenes, all set against the stunning backdrop of surfer culture. The film rises above the ordinary to deliver a heartfelt narrative that strikes a balance between being a light, watchable teen flick and a meaningful exploration of young love, friendship, and shared grief.