SXSW Review The Myth of the American Sleepover
Director: David Robert Mitchell World Premiere Narrative Competition 97:18 minutes
Synopsis Set against the backdrop of mile roads, neighborhood blocks, abandoned factories and lakes which make up Metro-Detroit, this story follows four young people as they search for love and adventure on the last night of summer. Maggie, Rob, Claudia and Scott cross paths as they explore the suburban wonderland chasing first kisses, elusive crushes, popularity and parties. They are looking for the iconic teenage experience, but instead they discover the quiet moments that will later become the part of their youth that they look back on with nostalgia.
Director Bio David Robert Mitchell grew up in metro-Detroit and now lives in Los Angeles. Since childhood, he has spent countless hours writing stories, playing music and making films. 'The Myth of the American Sleepover' is his feature-length, directorial debut.
WHO'S IT FOR? Teens will be able to identify with many of the moments, but I think this is ideally for those adults nostalgic for one more "last days of summer."
OVERALL
I loved the vibe of this film. First of all, not much happens. Think about every relaxed situation that could happen with teenagers looking for adventure.
The standout for me was Maggie (Claire Sloma). She was able to find that very difficult balance between being a girl and wanting to be a woman. The story that immediately caught my attention was with Rob who had a girl pass him in the grocery store. He becomes obsessed that this is the last night they can meet before some high school jock claims her as his own. Sure, there are moments that lag with this story, but I love the way that it finishes up.
Even a situation like Scott going after the Abbey twins seems like a disaster waiting to happen. Luckily, the film never gets to that level. Nobody, in any of the storylines, is ever physically hurt, or emotionally damaged beyond a slightly broken high school heart.
Teenage sexuality, tee-peeing houses, smoking a cigarette ... they're all looked at as a right of passage, which is exactly what being a teenager is all about. And no, I'm not saying every teen should smoke and have sex, but you're foolish to think they won't have to deal with how to react to these things. There's no real bite in this film, and in this case, that's a welcome change.
FINAL SCORE: 7/10