🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Kelly Fremon Craig
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Release year: 2016
- Runtime (length): 1h 44min
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10 (145K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Awkward teen gets even more awkward when her bestie hooks up with her hot bro, leading to a dramatic quest to find someone, anyone, who will text her back.
🍿 The Edge of Seventeen: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Nadine’s World
Nadine Franklin, a cynical and awkward high school junior, feels like an outcast. She contrasts sharply with her popular and seemingly perfect older brother, Darian. Her only solace is her best friend, Krista, with whom she shares a close bond, navigating the trials of teenage life together. Nadine often finds herself at odds with her well-meaning but somewhat overbearing mother, Mona, struggling to find her place in a world that seems to favor others.

The Betrayal and Its Aftermath
Nadine’s world is shattered when she discovers Krista has secretly started dating Darian. Feeling betrayed and utterly alone, she ends her friendship with Krista. This leaves Nadine feeling even more isolated and exacerbates her already existing feelings of inadequacy. She struggles to cope with the perceived betrayal, fueling her self-loathing and driving her to make increasingly questionable decisions. She seeks solace from her history teacher, Mr. Bruner, with whom she has a sardonic but supportive relationship.

Seeking Connection and Finding Disappointment
Desperate for connection, Nadine explores a potential relationship with an older, seemingly rebellious student, Nick. This pursuit leads to a disastrous encounter, highlighting her naiveté and intensifying her feelings of worthlessness. Meanwhile, a kind and quirky classmate named Erwin harbors a crush on Nadine, but she initially dismisses his advances, blinded by her infatuation with Nick. She eventually spends time with Erwin and sees his kindness, but is too wrapped up in her own drama to notice him.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Nadine Franklin (Hailee Steinfeld): A cynical and socially awkward teenager struggling with feelings of isolation and jealousy when her best friend starts dating her popular older brother.
- Krista (Haley Lu Richardson): Nadine’s best friend who unintentionally complicates Nadine’s life by dating her brother.
- Darian Franklin (Blake Jenner): Nadine’s handsome and popular older brother, who is generally kind but oblivious to Nadine’s insecurities.
- Mr. Bruner (Woody Harrelson): Nadine’s sarcastic but supportive history teacher who offers her guidance and witty observations.
- Mona Franklin (Kyra Sedgwick): Nadine’s emotionally distant mother who struggles to connect with Nadine after the death of her husband.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Nadine: “I wanna fast forward to the part of my life where I’m not in high school anymore.” – Nadine expresses her frustration with her current life and her desire to escape high school.
- Mr. Bruner: “There’s no way things are ever gonna magically fall into place, alright? You’re gonna be disappointed for the rest of your life if you’re waiting around for someone to swoop in and save you.” – Mr. Bruner gives Nadine some tough but important advice about taking responsibility for her own life.
- Nadine: “I feel like I’m having a heart attack, but no one can tell because I’m good at acting normal.” – Nadine describes her anxiety and how she tries to hide it from others.
- Krista: “It’s just, you’re so much. And I’m just so tired.” – Krista explains her reasons for drifting apart from Nadine.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $9 million
- Domestic Gross: $14.4 million
- Worldwide Gross: $18.8 million
💥 The Edge of Seventeen Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, ‘The Edge of Seventeen’ totally got me. I remember being exactly like Nadine – convinced everyone was against me and that high school was actual torture. It’s funny, but also hits hard, especially when she’s just trying to figure things out. The scene where she talks to her teacher Mr. Bruner, totally felt like someone understood. Seriously, if you’ve ever felt like an outcast, watch this movie!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
- “Viewers who appreciate witty and relatable dialogue”
- “Those who enjoy movies with strong female leads”
- “Anyone who has experienced the awkwardness of adolescence”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong language”
- “Teen drinking”
- “Sexual content and references”
- “Discussions of suicide and depression”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “A sharply observed and painfully funny coming-of-age story. Hailee Steinfeld delivers a star-making performance, capturing the angst and humor of adolescence with remarkable authenticity. The film’s witty dialogue and relatable characters resonate deeply.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “While the plot treads familiar ground, the film’s strength lies in its honest portrayal of teenage struggles. Steinfeld’s compelling performance elevates the material, making it a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy teen dramas. The supporting cast also shines.
Audience Reactions
Hailee Steinfeld’s performance felt incredibly real and relatable.: The movie’s honest portrayal of teenage angst and humor resonated strongly with audiences.
Overall Consensus: A well-received coming-of-age film praised for its authentic portrayal of teenage life and Hailee Steinfeld’s outstanding performance.
Awards
- Critics’ Choice Movie Award (Best Actress in a Comedy)- 2017
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Hailee Steinfeld was the first and only choice for the role of Nadine. Director Kelly Fremon Craig wrote the script with her in mind.”
- “The film is semi-autobiographical, drawing heavily from writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig’s own high school experiences.”
- “The role of Mr. Bruner, Nadine’s teacher, was written specifically for Woody Harrelson, who brought a lot of improvisation to his performance.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Edge of Seventeen?
The Edge of Seventeen is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video for rent or purchase. It’s also available on Apple TV for purchase. Check your local streaming services for availability as it may vary. You may also find options to rent or buy the movie on other platforms like Vudu or Google Play Movies.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Edge of Seventeen, you might like these similar films:
- Lady Bird (2017): Both films explore the trials and tribulations of teenage girls navigating high school, family relationships, and self-discovery.
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012): Deals with themes of teenage angst, social awkwardness, and finding your place in the world, resonating with the emotional core of ‘The Edge of Seventeen’.
- Sixteen Candles (1984): A classic coming-of-age story from the 80s that, while tonally different, captures the essence of teenage awkwardness and the search for identity.
- Eighth Grade (2018): Another modern film depicting the cringeworthy experiences of adolescence, focusing on the protagonist’s struggles with social media and self-esteem.
🛒 The Edge of Seventeen Related Products
- The Edge of Seventeen – Movie Poster: High-quality print of the original movie poster. Perfect for fans who want to display their love for this coming-of-age classic. A vibrant and nostalgic piece of memorabilia.
- Funko Pop! Movies: Edge of Seventeen – Nadine: A stylized Funko Pop! figure of Nadine, capturing her signature awkwardness and charm. A must-have for collectors and fans of the movie. Limited edition and highly sought after.
- The Edge of Seventeen (Blu-ray): Experience the film in stunning high definition with bonus features, including deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes footage. The ultimate way to relive the movie’s most memorable moments.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Edge of Seventeen features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Edge of Seventeen was primarily filmed in British Columbia, Canada, specifically in Surrey and Guildford Park Secondary School.
No, The Edge of Seventeen is not based on a true story. It’s a fictional coming-of-age story written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, drawing inspiration from universal experiences of adolescence.
The ending of The Edge of Seventeen is optimistic and hopeful, but not definitively “happy.” Nadine takes positive steps toward self-acceptance and mends some relationships, but the film acknowledges that her journey is ongoing.
🔥 Bonus Content
The Edge of Seventeen – A Surprisingly Good Teen Movie | Cynical Reviews
If you’re looking for a good teen movie to watch, check out this review of The Edge of Seventeen. It’s a surprisingly well-made film with great characters and a relatable story.
Hailee Steinfeld & EDGE OF SEVENTEEN Cast Talk First Crushes
In this interview, the cast of The Edge of Seventeen talks about their first crushes, awkward first dates, and bro-hugs. It’s a fun and lighthearted video that gives you a glimpse into the personalities of the actors.
HAILEE STEINFELD INTERVIEW gets “AWKWARD!” THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN SAN FRANCISCO STARVING VIDEO
In this interview, Hailee Steinfeld talks about working with legendary acting guru Larry Moss, shooting hoops with Woody Harrellson, and what she really thinks about ferris wheels.
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