On one level, it's your typical indie romance, set in an American high-school (varsity jackets and cheerleaders galore) backed by a soundtrack of the Smiths, Sonic Youth, David Bowie... you get the picture. It's about an awkward, shy boy who begins high-school with a longing to belong but without the social abilities to make friends. He eventually meets Sam and Patrick, who accept him for who he is. It's funny in parts, sad and awkward in others but really relates to most peoples own high-school experiences in one way or another.
But on a deeper level, the film touches the sensitive subjects such as sexual abuse and mental illness. For a teen film, that's pretty deep. But the subjects are only hinted at throughout the movie, giving it a more mature, underlying message.
Also, Emma Watson was surprisingly convincing. Not once did Hermione come to mind - she's come a long way from being the bossy know-it-all the nation loved so much. Innocence is certainly not a main character trait of her said character, Sam.
Anyway, i recommend anyone who likes a good tear-jerker slash feel-good film that really does linger on your mind.
Now time for me to read the book... hopefully it is just as good or better than the film.
