Misfit is a Dutch teen comedy film released in 2017. It stars popular YouTuber Djamila in the lead role, alongside Bente Fokkens and Niek Roozen. Directed by Erwin van den Eshof and written by Richard Krajicek & Anna van Keimpema, the movie weaves the story of Julia (played by Djamila), a teenager who finds herself struggling to fit in at her new school after returning to The Netherlands following a four-year stint in the United States.
The movie starts by depicting Julia as a confident and upbeat teen who has spent a significant part of her young life in America, which has shaped her personality and lifestyle in a way that clashes with the norms of her Dutch peers. The American high school experience, with its unique culture and informal approach to learning, has left Julia unprepared for the more traditional and arguably rigid environment she encounters upon her return.
Julia's struggle begins on her first day at her new school, where she quickly realizes that she doesn't quite fit the mold of the typical Dutch high school student. She is energetic, expressive, and dresses in a manner that is considered unconventional by the standards of her peers. Her attempts to befriend the popular crowd lead to a series of comical and sometimes embarrassing mishaps as she tries to navigate the social hierarchy of her new surroundings.
The popular clique at school is led by the typical 'queen bee', a character who takes an instant dislike to Julia, feeling threatened by her enthusiasm and different approach to life. Her gang of followers includes various archetypal characters – the jock, the gossip, the sidekick – all of whom play a part in making Julia's integration into school life a challenging endeavor.
To find acceptance and a sense of belonging, Julia makes several attempts to conform to the expectations of her peers. However, her endearing quirks and genuine personality are at odds with the conformity demanded by the popular group. She finds herself caught between staying true to her identity and changing herself to fit in with the others.
Throughout the film, Julia's experiences at school are contrasted with her home life, where her parents offer a supportive and loving environment, encouraging her to be herself despite the rocky start at school. Despite their advice, Julia can’t help but feel the pressure of high school social dynamics weighing on her.
Julia is not completely alone in her journey. She finds an ally in a charming and down-to-earth fellow student, played by Niek Roozen. This character represents the antithesis of the popular clique and offers Julia companionship and support when she feels like an outsider. His character also serves as an anchor to the predominant theme of the film – the importance of genuine friendships over superficial popularity.
As Julia's story unfolds, the film explores several themes relatable to its target teen audience, including the acceptance of self and others, the pitfalls of trying to be someone you’re not, and the value of true friendship over social status. With an upbeat soundtrack and contemporary styling, Misfit captures the essence of modern teenage life while also bringing in the nuance of cross-cultural differences.
Djamila, a social media influencer and singer in real life, uses her performance to bring a real sense of personality to the role of Julia. Her natural charisma and energy are part of what makes her character so likable and relatable. The film utilizes Djamila’s knack for comedy to its advantage, delivering laugh-out-loud moments that balance the more serious themes of self-acceptance and belonging.
Misfit also shines a spotlight on the impact of social media on the lives of today’s youth, with the characters using technology to both connect and create divisions among themselves. It subtly critiques the idea of social media as a tool for validation, with many scenes showing the consequences of its misuse in a high school setting.
Towards the climax, the movie culminates in an event that challenges Julia and her classmates to reconsider their perceptions of each other. The narrative propels the characters toward growth and a deeper understanding of the complexities of teenage social dynamics.
While Misfit is clearly targeted at a younger audience with its high school setting and teenage themes, it also offers commentary on the universal human desire to fit in and be accepted, making it a film that can resonate with viewers of all ages. It serves up humor and heart in equal measure and provides a platform for insightful conversations about identity and the courage it takes to remain authentic in a world where conformity is often the easier path. With its lively spirit and contemporary angle, Misfit captures the trials and tribulations of modern teenage life, all while offering a hopeful message about the power of staying true to oneself.
Misfit is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.3.
