The Edge of Seventeen

Year: 2016

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Kelly Fremon Craig

Budget: $9M

DramaComedy

Navigating the challenges of adolescence, high school junior Nadine experiences a devastating blow when her older brother begins a relationship with her best friend. Feeling isolated and adrift, she struggles to find her place and cope with the sudden shift in her world. Amidst the turmoil, an unexpected connection with a classmate offers a glimmer of hope and the possibility of finding beauty and belonging.

The Edge of Seventeen (2016) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the chaotic swirl of a suburban high‑school junior year, Nadine Franklin feels the weight of being perpetually out of step. Her world is a familiar blend of cramped hallways, buzzing lockers, and the ache of family expectations, yet it is underscored by an unmistakable sense of isolation. The constant comparison to her older brother, Darian, whose effortless charm seems to eclipse everything else, leaves her craving a foothold of her own. Adding to the tension is her longtime confidante, Krista, whose friendship has been the one bright thread in an otherwise tangled tapestry of teenage insecurities.

The film paints this delicate period with a tone that swings between sardonic humor and raw vulnerability. Mr. Bruner, a teacher with an unconventional bedside manner, becomes an unexpected sounding board for Nadine’s inner monologue, offering a mix of witty detours and earnest listening that captures the absurdity of navigating adulthood before you’re truly ready. The school itself feels like a microcosm of larger life—filled with cliques, whispered rumors, and the ever‑present pressure to belong, all rendered in a palette that is both nostalgic and sharply contemporary.

Amid the everyday turbulence, a quiet promise of connection emerges in the form of a classmate, Erwin Kim. Their tentative interaction suggests that even in the most confining corridors of high school, moments of genuine understanding can surface, offering a glimpse of hope beyond the familiar chaos. The story hovers on the brink of those small, transformative encounters, inviting the audience to wonder how Nadine will navigate the shifting sands of friendship, family, and self‑discovery.

Through its deft blend of humor, heart, and the universal pangs of growing up, the movie sets the stage for a journey that feels both intimately personal and resonantly collective, leaving viewers eager to see how a young woman learns to find her own voice in a world that often seems louder than she is.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 03:36

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Movies about awkward teen life like The Edge of Seventeen

Coming-of-age tales that balance sharp humor with the raw ache of adolescence.If you liked the honest portrayal of high school in The Edge of Seventeen, you'll appreciate these similar coming-of-age stories. This list features movies that explore teen angst, shifting friendships, and the search for identity with a mix of humor and heartfelt emotion.

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Narrative Summary

Stories typically follow a protagonist navigating the complexities of high school social hierarchies, often feeling isolated or misunderstood. The narrative centers on a personal crisis—like a falling out with a best friend or family strife—that forces the character to confront their insecurities, leading to a path of gradual, hard-won self-discovery.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together for their authentic, unglamorous depiction of teenage life. They share a tonal balance of witty, observational humor and genuine emotional vulnerability, creating a relatable and often cathartic viewing experience for anyone who remembers the turbulence of growing up.

Movies about coping with grief and finding hope like The Edge of Seventeen

Stories of loss where characters find unexpected connections and a path forward.For viewers who connected with Nadine's journey through loss and isolation in The Edge of Seventeen, these films offer similar emotional arcs. Discover stories where characters burdened by grief slowly find light and connection, leading to a hopeful, cathartic resolution.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist who is initially defined by their pain, feeling isolated and adrift. The plot follows their struggle to cope, often making mistakes and pushing people away. A turning point arrives through an unexpected relationship or moment of clarity, guiding them toward acceptance and a more hopeful future, without erasing the scars of their experience.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their emotional core: a believable journey from a place of deep sadness toward a hard-earned sense of hope. They avoid overly saccharine resolutions, instead offering catharsis through authentic character growth and the healing power of human connection.

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The Edge of Seventeen Summary

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The Edge of Seventeen Timeline

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Edge of Seventeen

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More About The Edge of Seventeen

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Edge of Seventeen: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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