"Teen Spirit" - Film Review
Teen Spirit is a love letter to the often-mocked genre of pop music. Max Minghella’s directorial debut gives pop music the respect it rarely receives by creating a beautiful hazy, neon, Technicolor world in a small village on the Isle of Wight. Shy teenager and island resident Violet (Elle Fanning) uses music and singing as an escape from her dreary world. Most nights, she sings to a near-empty bar, but one evening Vlad (Zlatko Buric) hears her sing and tells her that she has potential. He claims he would know because he used to be a famous Russian opera singer. Violet wants to audition for an American Idol-type show called Teen Spirit UK. Her mother, Marla (Agnieszka Grochowska), doesn't approve of Violet singing outside of church, so Violet auditions behind her back. She makes it to the second round, but since she’s underage, Violet needs a parental guardian to accompany her. In order to avoid exposing her secret to Marla, Violet enlists Vlad from the bar to act as her fake uncle and, eventually, vocal coach.
What makes Teen Spirit special is Fanning’s portrayal of Violet that easily swings from dancing alone in her bedroom to a pop song, to more meditative moments with her mother as they deal with the realities of a parent’s expectations not matching their child’s dreams. The dynamic between Vlad and Violet is also a delight. It’s an odd relationship that is founded on their love for music and Vlad’s belief that Violet has a special talent, and it grows, even though they are polar opposites. Vlad is gruff and loud while Violet is shy and quiet, but their differences help each of them grow.
LD Entertainment, Bleecker Street
The music Minghella chose for the movie feels like a character all its own. The montage of Violet auditioning to Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own” is particularly wonderful. It’s one of the few examples of that song being used with an understanding of the undercurrent of sadness that runs through the peppy pop beat. Similarly, Violet’s performance of Sigrid’s “Don’t Kill My Vibe” as the last scene of the movie is revelatory. It’s enchanting to share Violet’s reckless abandonment as she owns the stage in this final performance, losing herself in doing the thing she loves.
Ultimately, Teen Spirit is nothing new. It’s an underdog story that has been told time and time again, but it’s hard to fault a movie that was clearly made with love and respect. Its sole purpose is to pay homage to the style of music Minghella loves so dearly. Like a really great pop song, it hits all the expected beats and its sweetness is never too cloying. Teen Spirit is filled with warmth, and while the audience can probably guess all of the major plot points before the movie even begins, the gorgeous cinematography, electric performance by Fanning, and familiar soundtrack make it all worthwhile.
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