Whatever is a coming-of-age indie comedy-drama film released in 1998, directed and written by Susan Skoog. The film was a critical success, receiving positive reviews for its depiction of teenage angst and confusion. The film is set in suburban New Jersey, during the summer of 1981. The main character Anna Stockard (Liza Weil) is a 17-year-old girl who is about to start college in the fall. Anna is a restless girl, trying to find a purpose in life and struggling to deal with her parentsâ impending divorce. She spends most of her time hanging out with her best friend Brenda (Chad Morgan), smoking cigarettes, listening to music, and talking about boys.
Throughout the summer, Anna becomes tangled in a love triangle. Firstly, she starts dating Brendaâs ex-boyfriend, Martin (Frederic Forrest), who is a middle-aged man who owns a video rental store. Martin is intrigued by the young Anna who is just discovering her adulthood. Secondly, Anna falls for a guy her own age named Sam (Dan Montano), who is a musician, kind and appears to be a breath of fresh air in her life. Anna is intrigued with both men, and the film depicts her struggle to choose between these two very different worlds.
The film addresses several important themes, including teenage sexuality, relationships, and family life. Anna and Brenda have a candid conversation about sex, and how they want to make sure they have a âgood timeâ if they do decide to have sex. Sexual desire and puberty are central to Annaâs character development as she explores the complexities of relationships and self-discovery.
The film also addresses family life, and how Anna is dealing with the aftermath of her parentsâ separation. Anna is shown with her mother, who is struggling to adjust to life as a single parent. Annaâs father, who she idolizes, is absent from her life for long periods. The film effectively portrays the angst and stress of a family in transition. The scene where Anna shares a moment of intimacy with her mother, where they both break into tears, is especially moving.
Whatever is a low-budget indie film, which means it does not have the glossy, Hollywood look that many young adult films have. The camera work is hand-held, giving the film a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The film is set in 1981 and accurately reflects the style of the time, with characters decked out in punk gear, neon outfits and hairdos lifted straight from MTV.
The film is primarily character-driven, allowing the viewer to get an intimate portrayal of Annaâs life. We follow her as she tries to figure out who she is, what she wants from life, and who she wants to be with. Liza Weil does an excellent job with her performance, conveying the angst and inner turmoil of Anna. Chad Morgan is excellent as Annaâs best friend Brenda, delivering a realistic portrayal of a teenage girl who is equally aimless, but more grounded than Anna. Frederic Forrest's portrayal of Martin is an effective contrast to Anna's youthful spirit.
The filmâs soundtrack provides a classic '80s vibe, including artists such as The Jam, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, and Duran Duran. The songs reflect the themes of the film, providing a nostalgic but authentic soundtrack for the summer of 1981.
Overall, Whatever is an effective portrayal of teenage angst and confusion. The film deploys strong character development, realistic dialogues, and thoughtful themes that remain relevant today. The film portrays teenage life as a time of discovery and introspection, where one's choices can have a profound impact on their future. Fans of indie coming of age films like Juno and Lady Bird will appreciate what makes Whatever so endearing.
Whatever is a 1998 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.
