That Night (1992)

That Night Poster

A coming-of-age story about an eleven-year-old girl who idolizes her troubled sixteen-year-old neighbor.

Summary of "That Night"
"That Night" is a coming-of-age drama movie, launched in 1992, directed by Craig Bolotin, who also composed the movie script based on the novel of the exact same name by Alice McDermott. The story unfolds in a suburban area throughout the early 1960s and centers around the experiences of a 10-year-old woman named Alice Blossom. The film stars C. Thomas Howell, Juliette Lewis, and Eliza Dushku in her movie launching.

Plot Synopsis
Alice Bloom (Eliza Dushku) is a lonely girl on the edge of teenage years, who deals with social isolation and the pains of maturing. One summer, she ends up being transfixed by the love and drama of her teenage next-door neighbor, Sheryl O'Connor (Juliette Lewis). Sheryl is a rebellious spirit who captures Alice's appreciation and creativity.

Sheryl has an enthusiastic relationship with Rick (C. Thomas Howell), a mechanic with a rough edge. Their extreme bond becomes the talk of the community due to the stark contrast to the conservative mores of the period. When Sheryl's parents disapprove of the relationship, it just fuels the fire between the two fans and deepens Sheryl's bond with the fascinated Alice, who sees in Sheryl both a buddy and a version of the woman she daydreams about ending up being.

Themes and Characters
The narrative weaves through themes of love, loss, innocence, and the shift into their adult years. As Alice closely observes and often intervenes in Sheryl's troubled love life, she experiences a vicarious coming of age. Through that procedure, Alice, an outsider in her own right, discovers tough lessons about life's complexities and the nature of romantic relationships.

Sheryl, on the other hand, functions as both a design and a cautionary tale for Alice. Sheryl's battle with her household and her desire to defy social norms speak to the broader theme of finding one's identity and the costs related to it. Regardless of their age distinction and the brevity of their time together, Sheryl and Alice's lives intertwine in profound and life-altering methods.

Rick's character is essential to the conflict that propels the plot. His intense relationship with Sheryl symbolizes the fight between vibrant ardor and the expectations placed upon young people to conform. His less-than-perfect background permits an expedition of class and the bias that were (and still are) common.

Style and Reception
The movie is notable for its classic portrayal of the 1960s, recorded through the use of music, style, and period-specific set designs. The cinematography records the heat of a summer romance along with the darker undertones of the story.

"That Night" received a blended reception from critics. While some praised the performances, especially those of the young Eliza Dushku and Juliette Lewis, others felt that the film did not totally prosper in catching the nuances of its source product. It has, however, discovered a devoted audience that values it for its emotional depth and tender representation of puppy love and friendship.

Legacy and Conclusion
Although "That Night" might not be among the most commonly acknowledged movies from the early '90s, it resonates with those who have stumbled upon it as a wholehearted reflection on adolescence and the discomforts and marvels connected with it. The film functions as a time capsule, not just for the duration it's set in, however likewise for a kind of storytelling that prioritizes the inner lives and feelings of young female protagonists.

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