High school is arguably among the most memorable periods in the life of an individual as they go through different challenges, find themselves, and create moments that would last a lifetime. For most students, Year 10 is the year when things go crazy and everything; studies, relationships and even aspirations take a different shape altogether. The Year 10 Movie is therefore an accurate representation of a timeline definitely the importance of this one year in the life of students and the attached memories that come with it.
Mia, a 15 year old student in Year 10 at Crestwood high school is the main character of this specific propaganda film. At a glance, it looks like everything is starry for Mia, good grades, love from family and a group of friends. Later on as a school year goes on, a number of other dilemmas appear and impact the character leaving Mia to grow and refocus on what is essential to her.
Mia’s best friend, Jasmine, is a colorful and imaginative personality who aspires to be an artist. Ever since they were in primary school, they have been in each other’s company all the time. But, with Jasmine spending more and more time developing her art, it creates tension in their bond friendship. At the same time, Mia gets attracted to a boy named Liam who is shy yet charming and recently changed schools. Their new friendship begins to foster into something more than friendship which causes issues with both Mia’s focus on her studies and her bond with Jasmine.
Further heightening the tension is the fact that there is a science fair competition that is to be participated by the whole class. Mia is paired with Ethan in class. Mia’s parents have sort of been onto her and learning about her parents’ expectations makes her feel anxious. At first, Mia finds it difficult to concentrate because of the joker trying to annoy her on purpose. Nonetheless, through Ethan’s antics, Mia learns to be less serious and enjoy herself. It combines the major story line in which the main characters suffer from social anxiety, fear of failure and the thrill of learning about what they didn’t think they possessed.
Last but not the least, the most appealing aspect of the film is the progression that Mia goes through. Throughout the film there are three things that she develops and they are her perspective toward change, reconciliation with her friends, and being able to do things that she perceives to be challenging. The final scene highlights the significant change that the characters have gone through with them staring up a clear sky filled with stars.
Cast & Crew Mia (Protagonist): Mia is portrayed as a typical teenager facing the challenges of ‘books, friends and knowing who she actually is’ which up and coming actress Lily Carter brings to the table.
Jasmine (Best Friend): Zoe Martinez portraying Jasmine lights the show as the artistic interests and colorful, as well as dramatic damsel, she adds a lot to the story.
Liam (Love Interest): Ethan Park who plays Liam, a representation of young love and all of its thrilling uncertainties, gives the character an emotional quietness that suits him well.
Ethan (Class Clown): Jacob Taylor gives character Ethan to bring a quirky light to the table as he plays the class clown but portrays depth as well.
Supporting Cast: Available but not used as much is: Mrs. Harper, a veteran actress Rachel Anderson who played Mia’s science teacher: helpful but strict.
In a teen drama, Mia Solis is the lead character supported by actors Eric James and Laura Kim who plays Mia’s troublemaking parents. The couple also interjects with comic relief through their parenting.
Director: Emma Collins, an expert of films like ‘The Year 10 Movie’ gives the inde and ambient feel in her coming-of-age indie dramas.
Writer: Amanda Chu knows what makes a teenage heart tick, which she carefully infuses into more serious matters like drama and comedy, in one screenplay.
Composer: The sonic waves in the soundtrack, blended with indie pop and orchestral sounds, capture the essence perfectly of a Lucas Rivera blend high school life where positive and negative collide trying to define themself.
Themes and Messages
Movie steadily deepens in exploiting the nature of the friendships of the teenagers with an emphasis on the tendency of going hither and thither and how they lean on the chances of reunion to a certain extent.
Challenges and Change: While experiencing her turmoil, Mia realizes that change is a must and one has to have faith in oneself in turbulent times.
Trauma: Characters have gone through trauma where loss or betrayal led to pain, but instead of allowing this to spiral them downwards, they used it to fuel their growth.
Self and Socio-Expectations: This specific movie tackles the eternal pressure teenagers have, not so much the respective parents, teachers, and peers, but themselves, revealing subtleties around the issue of stress and the relevance of overall psychological well-being.
Critical Reception and IMDb rating
Ever since its premiere, The Year 10 Movie has been firmly embraced by audience members for its realistic perspective, emotion, and cast. It has an impressive rating of 8.1/10 on IMDb and its viewers do appreciate the way, in which, teenage life is shown without falling into the temptation of stereotypical images.
Most of the reviewers have especially admired the acting of the younger actresses, notably Lily Carter who played Mia. They have found it easy to manage the mix of fragility and confident drive. Papas, the director of the film is appreciated for employinh humour and drama in a subtle and unforced manner.
Reviewers, parents and educators let teenagers and their families know how important this movie is, emphasizing its messages. However, children below 12 years old engage with the film because they could relate with its characters and how the film addresses contemporary challenges such as social media and academic pressure.
What Makes It Different?
The Year 10 Movie strives to occupy a niche within the overused realm of high-school soap-operas as becoming timeless and personal in a way only teenagers can understand. In contrast to the clichés and their exaggerated portrayals, the film takes a different tack by embracing realism and its messiness, complications, and beauty that accompany maturing.
As for cinematography, it complements the plot, applying warm tones for the joy scenes and cooler colors for the dull moments. The score perfectly aids the film, full of licensed songs and original songs, allowing the audience of Crestwood High to feel the emotions of every scene even more.
Recap
The Year 10 Movie should not only be viewed as a coming-of-age movie, in fact, it is an emotional journey harnessed through the forces of friendship and struggle of self and the very nature of people. With its interesting characters, engaging plot and ethical lesson, it’s definitely a film for everyone regardless of age.
Be it a high school student or an adult looking back at his/her youth, The Year 10 Movie is a thought provoking and emotional story that one would like to watch.
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