Synopsis"Youth in Revolt" is a 2009 American romantic comedy-drama movie directed by Miguel Arteta and based upon C.D. Payne's novel of the very same name. The film stars Michael Cera as socially awkward teenager Nick Twisp, who falls for a free-spirited lady called Sheeni Saunders, played by Portia Doubleday. Nick develops a positive, rebellious change ego called François Dillinger in an attempt to win Sheeni's heart.
PlotNick Twisp, a 14-year-old from Oakland, California, copes with his mother, Estelle, and her boyfriend, Jerry. His life takes a turn when Jerry accidentally becomes included with violent sailors, forcing the household to get away to a trailer park. Here, Nick fulfills Sheeni Saunders, an intellectual and advanced girl. They bond over their shared appreciation for Frank Sinatra and Serge Gainsbourg. Sheeni likewise presents Nick to the world of French literature and cinema, successfully expanding his horizons.
Nick is smitten by Sheeni, however she already has a partner, Trent. Sheeni subtly suggests that a bad kid, like Trent, would attract her. This influences Nick to transform himself as the smooth-talking, chain-smoking François Dillinger, total with a mustache and a blue-eyed appeal. He believes this new persona will assist him win over Sheeni.
Nick's Misadventures as FrançoisUnder the impact of his change ego, Nick participates in a number of illegal activities, planning to get tossed out by his mother to be closer to Sheeni. He sets fire to half of Berkeley, takes a car, and inserts himself back into Sheeni's life. François encourages Nick to defy authority at every turn, creating a series of mounting issues.
Nick's actions lead him to a short imprisonment, throughout which Sheeni discards Trent for him. However, Sheeni's religious and over-controlling parents send her off to a French prep school to keep her away from Nick. This presses Nick even more towards reckless habits, trying to defy all odds to reach Sheeni.
ResolutionIn a strange twist of events, Nick winds up receiving aid from Sheeni's indifferent older bro, Paul, who helps him break into the school. Sheeni, enjoyed see Nick, admits her love for him. Although he wins over Sheeni, Nick needs to face the repercussions of his illegal actions. This consists of further time in juvenile hall and a limiting order avoiding him from seeing Sheeni.
As the reality embeds in, Nick reconciles with the truth that his defiant stunts and synthetic bad-boy personality have caused more harm than excellent. His modify ego François meets a metaphorical end, symbolizing Nick's coming of age and maturation.
Last Thoughts"Youth in Revolt" is a special coming-of-age story with a twist. The film portrays teenage disobedience, naivety, the desire for love, and angst versus adult control through a lens of both humor and gravity. The extreme improvement of Nick Twisp highlights the lengths one can go in pursuit of love, drawing out the paradox in his id - a homage to teenage life. Michael Cera's dazzling acting in addition to Portia Doubleday's beauty makes this film a memorable comical portrayal of teenage revolt.
Top Cast
