13 Reasons Why star Katherine Langford's new movie hits 100% on Rotten Tomatoes
13 Reasons Why star Katherine Langford's new movie Spontaneous has achieved that impressive feat of scoring a 100% fresh rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.
The darkly comic teen movie, which is based on the novel of the same name by Aaron Starmer, stars Langford as Mara Carlyle, a feisty high schooler who finds romance with her classmate Dylan (All the Money in the World star Charlie Plummer).
Unfortunately, their happiness is being tested by a mysterious pandemic that hits their high school, causing students to explode for no apparent reason. With nobody knowing who could be next, Mara and Dylan decide to live each day to the fullest as their classmates disappear around them.
Related: Why Katherine Langford couldn't return to 13 Reasons Why
Spontaneous, which also stars Riverdale's Hayley Law, Transparent actor Rob Huebel and Coyote Ugly's Piper Perabo, has been impressing critics so far, who have pointed out how unexpectedly relevant the themes of fear and loss have become in 2020.
Here's what the critics have been saying about Spontaneous:
Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter:
"Writer-director (Brian) Duffield expertly handles the complex tonal shifts, keeping us on edge even as we're laughing. We're also thoroughly engrossed in the main characters' fates, thanks to the witty, perceptive dialogue and the two leads, who bring an unforced, charming naturalism to their performances."
"The strange concept of teens spontaneously combusting is used to explore universal themes of love and loss. Bloody, fun and achingly heartfelt, Spontaneous presents a clever and original story about life, love and how suddenly things can change...
"Spontaneous has plenty of fun banter, gut-punching heart and some truly disgusting horror wrapped up in a fun flick that's sure to entertain viewers who give it a chance."
Jenna Anderson, Comicbook.com:
"The film is well-executed, unbelievably earnest, and surprisingly cathartic, culminating in the movie experience that 2020 didn't know it needed...
"Narratively, emotionally, and aesthetically, Spontaneous is the perfect teen rom-com for our current moment. The film's unpredictable premise sets itself apart in multiple ways - not only from the teen movie genre as a whole, but from the crop of current and upcoming films that feel relevant to our current moment.
"It's a genuine joy to watch through and through - the kind of movie that will continue to pull on your heartstrings even after you watch it, but also leave you with a genuine sense of optimism. It could, and should, be one of the best cinematic gems of this unpredictable year."
Aaron B Peterson, The Hollywood Outsider:
"Langford deftly sashays between likeable heroine and distasteful cynicism while never forgetting she needs the audience in her corner.
"Hilarious, intelligent, dire, and heartfelt; Spontaneous explodes with promise and ultimately delivers. Duffield's writing shines when matched with Langford's whimsical glow, and together they have created a bloodier Heathers for the modern age."
Spontaneous will receive a limited cinematic release in the US on October 2, followed by a video on demand release on October 6. There is no word yet on a UK release.
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