Young. Wild. Free.
 | This article needs a plot summary. (August 2023) |
| Young. Wild. Free. | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | Thembi Banks |
| Written by | Juel Taylor Tony Rettenmaier |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Cary Lalonde Dennis Zanatta |
| Edited by | Lindsay Armstrong |
Release dates |
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Running time | 113 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Young. Wild. Free. is a 2023 American drama film written by Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, directed by Thembi Banks and starring Algee Smith. It is Banks' feature directorial debut.[1][2][3]
Plot
[edit]A teenager struggling to provide for his younger siblings in Compton finds his life turned upside down when he's held at gunpoint by the girl of his dreams.
Cast
[edit]- Algee Smith as Brandon Huffman
- Sanaa Lathan as Janice Huffman
- Sierra Capri as Cassidy
- Mike Epps as Lamont
Production
[edit]According to Banks, the first day of filming occurred on March 11, 2020 and then filming was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[4] In August 2022, it was reported that production on the film was underway in Los Angeles.[5]
Release
[edit]The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in the Library Center Theater on January 22, 2023.[6][7]
This BET+ original produced by MACRO premieres on BET+ June 27.[8]
Reception
[edit]The film has a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on fifteen reviews.[9]
Tomris Laffly of Variety gave the film a negative review and wrote, "An Uncertain Script Saddles a Stylish Coming-of-Age Movie Full of Los Angeles Love."[10]
Esther Zuckerman of IndieWire graded the film a C− and wrote, "Trust me, you’ve heard this one before."[11]
Patrice Witherspoon of Screen Rant awarded the film four stars out of five.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ Genai, Shanelle (January 24, 2023). "Sundance 2023: Algee Smith Takes a Convincing Turn Towards Recklessness in Young.Wild.Free". The Root. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ Penrice, Ronda Racha (January 25, 2023). "SANAA LATHAN, ALGEE SMITH AND SIERRA CAPRI DISCUSS 'YOUNG. WILD. FREE'". Ebony. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ Hullender, Tatiana (January 26, 2023). "Young. Wild. Free. Director On The Challenges Of Her Colorful Film Debut [Sundance]". Screen Rant. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ ""It Was a Blessing in Disguise To Have More Time"; Thembi Banks, Young. Wild. Free". Filmmaker. January 25, 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ Corrine, Amber (August 14, 2022). "Sanaa Lathan, Mike Epps, And More To Star In 'Young. Wild. Free.'". Vibe. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ a b Witherspoon, Patrice (January 26, 2023). "Young. Wild. Free. Review: Banks' Bold Feature Debut Is Captivating [Sundance]". Screen Rant. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (January 26, 2023). "Thembi L. Banks & Cast On Finding The Fire In 'Young. Wild. Free.' – Sundance Studio". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ "Summer's Almost Here! 5 Movies to Keep on Your Radar". BET. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
- ^ "Young. Wild. Free". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ Laffly, Tomris (January 22, 2023). "'Young. Wild. Free.' Review: An Uncertain Script Saddles a Stylish Coming-of-Age Movie Full of Los Angeles Love". Variety. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ Zuckerman, Esther (January 22, 2023). "'Young. Wild. Free.' Review: A Stylish, Letterboxd-Friendly Drama That Goes Further Off the Rails with Each Twist". IndieWire. Retrieved August 15, 2023.