Oscars Preview: 30 Movies to Watch Before the Nominations Come Out!

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The Edge of Seventeen

What it’s about:

Nadine Franklin is a 17-year-old high school student whose only solace is her best friend Krista. However, one day she discovers that Krista has begun dating her older brother, Darian, the golden boy of the family. Nadine’s feelings of betrayal seem like an overreaction, until you realize its connection to her grief. When Nadine was 13, her father, the parent who she most identified with, died when he had a heart attack behind the wheel of a car. Four years later, though the immediate effects of the loss have subsided, the lasting depression and grief remain buried in Nadine. This coming-of-age story follows Nadine as she fights with Darian and Krista, confides in her teacher Mr. Bruner and unlikely friend Erwin, and discovers more about herself and what her father’s passing means for her.

Major Players:

Kelly Fremon Craig makes her feature debut with The Edge of Seventeen; she both wrote and directed the film. Starring as Nadine is now-20-year-old Hailee Steinfeld, who at the age of 14 was already nominated for a Supporting Actress Oscar for True Grit in 2011. Kyra Sedgwick plays Nadine’s mother Mona, two-time nominee Woody Harrelson plays her history teacher Mr. Bruner, and Blake Jenner plays her brother Darian.

What the Critics are Saying:

At a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, The Edge of Seventeen is emerging as one of the most exciting and resonant teen movies since John Hughes’s prime. David Sims of The Atlantic claims that it “feints away from every adolescent cliché to create something far more wholly realized.” Stephanie Zacharek of Time calls it “radiantly funny and perceptive,” while the New York Times’s Stephen Holden describes it as “a smart, achingly bittersweet comedy.”

Possible Nominations:

This movie is a long shot, but Best Original Screenplay (Craig), Leading Actress (Steinfeld), and Supporting Actor (Harrelson) nominations are definite potentials.