EDGE OF EVERYTHING
Starring: Sierra McCormick, Jason Butler Harner, Ryan Simpkins, Emily Robinson, Dominique Gayle, Nadezhda Amé, Sabina Friedman-Seitz, and Anthony Del Negro
Director: Pablo Feldman and Sophia Sabella
NICK
The biggest triumph of Edge of Everything is how authentic it feels. Sure, it covers all the typical hallmarks of a coming-of-age film (family drama, relationships, teenage angst) but it does so in such a genuine way. Directors Pablo Feldman and Sophia Sabella aren’t afraid to let their protagonist, Sierra McCormick's Abby, be unlikeable as she spirals into a life that is one part negative influence and one part her own doing. This leaves Abby's mistakes front and center without any attempt to hide them, which you understand when you see how little consequence she thinks her actions have. It’s a nice touch.
KATIE
Edge of Everything is a hard-hitting yet tender coming-of-age drama that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the young characters’ lives. The film explores the dark complexities of teenage girlhood, as well as the importance of authentic friendship. It, admittedly, left me in tears more than once. The protagonist Abby, played by the fantastic Sierra McCormick, is deeply relatable, and she perfectly portrays the sense of invincibility and eagerness to grow up, regardless of the consequences, experienced during this age. With compelling and impactful storytelling and authentic performances, Edge of Everything is a powerful film that leaves a lasting impression.
PAIGE
In spite of Edge of Everything’s simplicity and lightness, it embraces the messiness of adolescence without providing prefabricated answers. While I do feel that the directing duo of Sophia Sabella and Pablo Feldman played it a little safe, this coming-of-age story does serve as a sobering reminder of how difficult it can be to find your place in the world. Despite the story lacking depth while having unlikeable characters, it captures a realness within. This is due to its strong performances, the themes of identity, and the highs and lows of growing up, which I think will resonate deeply with many.
