Booksmart (2019)
Two academic teenage superstars realize, on the eve of their high school graduation, that they should have worked less and played more. Determined to never fall short of their peers, the girls set out on a mission to cram four years of fun into one night.
Details
Budget
$6,000,000
Rating
7/10 (2659 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Annapurna Pictures, Gloria Sanchez Productions
About Booksmart
Olivia Wilde's directorial debut, "Booksmart," is a coming-of-age comedy centered on two academic overachievers, Amy and Molly. On the eve of their high school graduation, they realize they've prioritized studying over social experiences. This leads them on a mission to cram four years of missed fun into a single night.
The film explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the pressures of navigating adolescence, all set against the backdrop of a house party. Its focus on two female leads, directed by a woman, distinguishes it within the high school comedy genre. The narrative uses humor and specific character development to address typical teenage milestones and anxieties.
"Booksmart" has received strong critical reception, holding high scores on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, and an IMDb rating that reflects general audience approval. Its blend of humor with genuine moments of character growth has resonated with viewers, positioning it as a notable entry in modern coming-of-age cinema. The film's critical success, combined with its exploration of contemporary teenage life, suggests its lasting appeal within its genre.
Why you might be searching for Booksmart
People often search for "Booksmart" because they remember its humor, particularly the dynamic between the two lead characters, Amy and Molly. The film's focus on a single night of high school antics, the exploration of teenage friendship, and its status as a notable directorial debut by Olivia Wilde are also key memorable elements.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer noted that the film is more than just a female version of "Superbad," praising Olivia Wilde's direction and the performances of Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein for delivering a story about friendship and youth empowerment that stands out in the coming-of-age genre.
Read the full reviewA critic described "Booksmart" as a funny and quotable film that establishes Olivia Wilde as a significant new voice in filmmaking, highlighting the collaborative writing effort as well.
Read the full reviewA reviewer who was initially skeptical after previous female-led coming-of-age films found "Booksmart" to be potentially the best and certainly the funniest of the group, appreciating the lead actresses but particularly loving the supporting cast.
Read the full reviewOne viewer expressed that after seeing "Booksmart," they now have a renewed interest in other works by Olivia Wilde, noting that the film is well-made and captivating due to the skilled filmmaking, rather than solely because of its female perspective or protagonists.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Booksmart" on the Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel. It is also available to buy or rent on Apple TV and Prime Video. If you prefer physical media, you can purchase the DVD or Blu-ray from Amazon. There are currently no free streaming options for the movie. [justwatch.com](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/booksmart)
"Booksmart" is not based on a true story. It is a fictional coming-of-age comedy film directed by Olivia Wilde, from a screenplay by Emily Halpern, Sarah Haskins, Susanna Fogel, and Katie Silberman. [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booksmart_(film))
At the end of "Booksmart," Molly visits Amy in jail after Amy created a diversion at a party, allowing other classmates to escape police. They reconcile, and after recognizing a serial killer from a wanted poster, they trade information to free Amy and drive to graduation in Jared's car. Molly kisses Jared on stage and gives a valedictorian speech. A few days later, Molly drives Amy to the airport for her gap year in Botswana, but Amy decides she has time for pancakes with Molly before her flight. [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booksmart_(film))
"Booksmart" has received critical acclaim, with many praising it as a smart, funny, and fresh take on the coming-of-age comedy genre. Critics have highlighted its humor, pacing, and the chemistry between the lead actresses, Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever. [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booksmart_(film))