Whatever

Whatever is a remarkable coming-of-age drama film meticulously crafted under the direction of Susan Skoog and originally released in 1998. The film features Liza Weil, Chad Morgan, and Frederic Forrest in primary roles that breathe life into a piercing and profound exploration of the trials and tribulations of adolescence.

The narrative orbits around the central characters, Anna Stockard, portrayed by Liza Weil, and Brenda Talbot, played by role Chad Morgan. Both teenage girls are on the brink of adulthood, attending a small-town New Jersey high school during the early 1980s. The story captures how these two individuals wrestle with a puzzling mix of uncertainty, curiosity, and free-spirited rebellion against the challenges of coming of age, each in her unique way.

Anna is an aspiring artist who yearns to escape her confined suburban world to attend a prestigious Art School in Manhattan. However, conflicting parental pressures, relationship complexities, and financial struggles make her future seem difficult and uncertain. Liza Weil demonstrates an exceptional performance, engrossing viewers with her profound depiction of a teenager desperate to transform her dreams into reality.

On the other hand, Brenda, Anna's best friend, is a nonchalant and rebellious teenager exploring her budding sexuality. Brenda's character is depicted as a quintessential representation of teenagers who, in their quest for independence, often drift into perilous territories. Chad Morgan portrays Brenda with a stunning rawness, effortlessly capturing the character's turbulent emotions and reckless actions that often lead to dramatic consequences.

Frederic Forrest can be seen playing the role of Mr. Chaminski, their high-school art teacher. His character serves as a mentor figure, inspiring Anna to pursue her dream of becoming an artist while highlighting the stark realities of their small-town ambitions.

The rugged charm of New Jersey’s landscape in the 1980s is intricately captured by the film's cinematography, setting the perfect backdrop for the stirring narrative. Stepping away from the typical portrayals of teenage coming-of-age dramas, 'Whatever' delves into the grunge aesthetic of the late '80s, making it visually standout from its genre counterparts.

The artistic expressions of Anna and the raw representation of teenage emotions against their suburban limitations make this a tale of adolescence like no other. One cannot ignore the thought-provoking themes of peer pressure, societal norms, and parental expectations woven delicately through the storyline.

Skoog’s direction style, coupled with striking performances from the cast, has created a film that is simultaneously poignant and edgy. She successfully achieves a delicate balance between the provocative and the subtle, often gathering momentum in quieter moments. The complexities of adolescence are not sugar-coated in this realistic and gritty portrayal that dares to confront and challenge conventional tropes and expectations.

Entrenched with a riveting indie rock n' roll soundtrack, the music of 'Whatever' adds another layer to the edgy atmosphere of the film. It perfectly captures the spirit of the era and underscores the energy and rebelliousness of the protagonists.

'Whatever' ultimately stands as an authentic snapshot of both the thrills and agonies that accompany the cusp of adulthood. It gives a raw, real, and riveting portrayal of female adolescence that remains timeless in its resonance. The protagonists' juggling act with their lives under societal norms and their struggle to resonate their individual voices amidst the chaos is a ride worth witnessing.

All in all, 'Whatever' is not your conventional coming-of-age tale. It's a profoundly poignant film that captures the raw and edgy spirit of adolescence, blending delicate sensibility with an unvarnished portrayal of the highs and lows of teenage years. Whether you are a fan of coming-of-age stories or a die-hard admirer of indie cinema, 'Whatever' is a film that truly deserves to be included on your watchlist.