The Spectacular Now (2013)

The Spectacular Now is a tender, unsentimental coming-of-age romantic drama about Sutter, a charismatic high-school senior who lives entirely "in the now": charming, the life of the party, and increasingly dependent on alcohol to blur the future he refuses to face. After a painful breakup, he wakes up in a stranger’s front yard and meets Aimee, a quiet, bookish classmate with her own dreams. Drawn together despite — and because of — their differences, they begin a fragile relationship that forces both teens to confront who they are and what they might become. Seeing the film, you’ll experience a warm but bittersweet tone that blends sharp humor with emotional honesty. The story is character-driven and intimate: expect authentic teenage dialogue, awkwardly sweet romance, and an unflinching look at how avoidance and addiction can complicate growth. The pace lets small moments breathe, so the film feels grounded and real rather than melodramatic. Viewers are likely to come away moved and reflective — amused by Sutter’s charm, worried by his self-destructive streak, and quietly hopeful as Aimee’s steadiness challenges him to imagine a future beyond the spectacular now. Ideal for fans of realistic, character-focused dramas about youth, relationships, and the messy work of growing up.

Actors: Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Kyle Chandler

Director: James Ponsoldt

Runtime: 95 min

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

6.2 /10 82 /100 7.0 /10 7.1 /10