Marks and Liberato have terrific chemistry, building a complex friendship that feels so strong that the plot's gyrations are often difficult to believe. Each actress adds superb undercurrents as a young woman still developing her own sense of self, and it's refreshing that romance never defines them. Witty side roles include Nick's awkward-in-the-middle best pal Ben (Roberts) and April's hilarious trash-talking little sister Agnes (Riecke). And as April's over-sharing mother, Hecht has terrific timing.

The characters are smart and sharp enough pull the audience in, even when the plot takes some rather too-pointed turns. At least the filmmakers and actors avoid letting things drift into melodrama, although there is a requisite falling out along the way, complete with some rather darkly heightened emotions. But even if the clashes are rather simplistic, they feel like they come from unusual places. So amid all the romantic twists and turns, the film becomes a warm look at an unexpected friendship.

themes, language, sexuality

8.Jun.20

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