The “Crush” movie was directed by Sammi Cohen, who was American director best known for directing thirty-four episodes of College Humor originals and multiple Dropout original series. The movie was released this April 29,2022 via Hulu app. It was a queer teen rom-com where high-school students was open and proud about their sexuality to their friends, teachers and family. It does not give emphasis on how the teens come out but it focuses on how they express themselves.
The story goes like this: Paige, the main character of the movie, aspires to attend CAL ARTS for college, but she needed to draw her happiest moment which she struggles about. Another problem comes in, when she was accused of being the one who vandalizes the school property with hilarious puns. It makes it more difficult for Paige to be accepted in her dream school so she did whatever she could to avoid the punishment. Little did she know that it will turn her high-school life upside down.
The climax shows how Paige starts to live a different kind of life. She attended a party and started to enjoy running on the track. She also became less awkward talking to people which shows a different side of her. She experienced new things and it makes her wonder even more. However, this part shows teens drinking and doing drugs openly. The director shows that even though the adults supports them being queer, they still reminds them not to do bad things. It is important that the movie shows how they are being supported at the same time being supervised.
The cinematography of the film was great. Even the palette used in the outfits shows how this is a feel good movie. Moreover, the background music suits every scene. The actors gave justice to their characters, especially AJ and Paige, they really have a good chemistry. Some even say that the roles play too safe that it does not reach the full potential of the actors. Some critics also say that this film should be a series, because there are still characters that were so good but they are not shown enough. The ending of the movie left many questions about the characters. Like, how does Dillon, the platonic friend of Paige, become so close to Paige? What do the other characters dream about? And how does Anjie (mom of Paige) become so open?
In watching the movie, I realized that if you don’t care about what other people might think or don’t give someone the right to criticize you, it will be nice living in that kind of environment. This movie does not have an antagonist to make the life of the protagonist difficult. They care and support each other, there are some insecurities to deal with but they work on it to themselves. One thing I really applaud about this movie is that the problem of coming out was not a problem. I think it should be that way, “I’m so happy for you” is the phrase the mother of Paige said to her when she said “I like girls”. Maybe being accepted for who she is at a young age, makes her confident to accept her own desires. She does not hesitate too much.
It was also commendable how brave and confident Anjie is, being a single mother was definitely not easy but she did a great job being a mom and a best friend to Paige. Although sometimes her openness was a bit awkward ,but in my opinion, her comments about being protected when engaging in sexual intercourse is essential. The movie also addressed how it will be difficult to open up to your parents if you don’t feel the support from them at first. It shows when AJ and Paige talk about how AJ had a hard time when she comes out. I also wanted to pinpoint the personality of the principal, she was too gullible. She does not have a strong stand to anything, for example when the coach said that Paige is King Pun, she easily believed it without letting Paige explain or further investigate. Even though she has power, it is not shown in the film. It lacks balance when the characters are all easy-going. The teens should have someone to guide them, but the principal conveys that she only cares for herself.
All in all, the film was amendable, it was worth your time. I would gladly recommend this movie. It serves its purpose to entertain the people. How Paige supports the decision of her mother and how her mother gives support to her was another level of bond that you would want to have with your parents. It is also great how the characters do not hold grudges against each other, it was refreshing. It was not like other movies that you will be stressing about, this movie gives impact by being a charming and straightforward movie.
Comments