🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Jason Orley
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Release year: 2019
- Runtime (length): 1h 31min
- IMDb rating: 6.9/10 (17K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: None
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A kid and his older burnout friend navigate the complexities of teenage life, which mostly involve drugs, parties, and regrettable romantic advice.
🍿 Big Time Adolescence: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Early Friendship and Influence
Monroe, a young teenager, forms an unlikely friendship with Zeke, his older sister’s aimless, college dropout boyfriend. Zeke introduces Monroe to a world of parties, drugs, and rebellious behavior, shaping his formative years. Monroe idolizes Zeke, seeing him as a cool and carefree figure in contrast to his own awkwardness.

Navigating High School
As Monroe enters high school, he struggles to fit in and relies on Zeke’s often questionable advice to navigate social situations and relationships. This leads to awkward encounters and missteps, complicating his attempts to find his own identity. Monroe begins to develop feelings for a classmate and tries to impress her using Zeke’s outdated tactics.

Consequences and Realizations
Monroe’s reliance on Zeke’s guidance eventually leads to serious consequences, including legal trouble and strained relationships with his family and friends. He starts to question the value of Zeke’s influence and recognizes the destructive nature of his lifestyle. The film explores the theme of growing up and realizing the importance of making responsible choices.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Monroe (Griffin Gluck): A teenage boy navigating adolescence under the questionable influence of his older, aimless friend.
- Zeke (Pete Davidson): An aimless college dropout and drug dealer who becomes a destructive influence on his younger friend, Monroe.
- Reuben (Jon Cryer): Monroe’s father, concerned about Zeke’s negative influence on his son.
- Holly (Sydney Sweeney): A girl that Monroe is interested in, complicated by Zeke’s bad advice.
- Sophie (Oona Laurence): Monroe’s sister, and Zeke’s ex-girlfriend, who recognizes the danger Zeke poses to her brother.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Zeke: “When you get older you realize that’s kinda all life is. It’s just a bunch of scribbles and dicks and, violence all in a void.” – Zeke’s cynical worldview is captured when describing a seemingly meaningless drawing.
- Zeke: “That’s dope.” – Zeke casually says this.
💰Box Office
- Budget: None
- Domestic Gross: None
- Worldwide Gross: None
💥 Big Time Adolescence Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved this movie! It felt so real, like I was watching something that actually happened. The friendship between Mo and Zeke was so messed up, but in a way, it was genuine. Pete Davidson was surprisingly good, he really nailed the slacker vibe. The ending hit me hard, it’s not your typical happy ending, which is what made it so impactful. Definitely a must-watch for anyone who’s ever had a questionable friend.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
- “Viewers who appreciate dark comedies”
- “Pete Davidson fans”
- “Those who enjoy movies about friendship and its complexities”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong language”
- “Drug use”
- “Underage drinking”
- “Suggestive content”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “Orley’s debut is a sharply observed, often hilarious, and surprisingly poignant exploration of adolescence and the pitfalls of idolizing the wrong role models. Pete Davidson delivers a career-best performance.
- Variety: “Davidson finds a role that allows him to be both hilarious and surprisingly vulnerable, while Gluck provides a grounded counterpoint. A genuinely funny and surprisingly moving take on the coming-of-age genre.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “A winning combination of sharp writing and strong performances elevate this coming-of-age story above the usual teen fare. Davidson’s charisma shines through, making Zeke both likable and ultimately pitiable.
Audience Reactions
Pete Davidson’s performance was surprisingly amazing and heartbreaking.: Viewers praised the authenticity and relatability of the characters and their struggles.
The movie captured the feeling of growing up and realizing your idols aren’t who you thought they were.: The realistic portrayal of adolescence and the bittersweet ending resonated with audiences.
Overall Consensus: A well-received coming-of-age dramedy with strong performances, particularly from Pete Davidson, that explores the complexities of friendship and growing up.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “This was Jason Orley’s directorial debut.”
- “Many viewers have noted that Pete Davidson seems to be drawing from his own life experiences in his portrayal of Zeke.”
🖥️ How to Watch Big Time Adolescence?
Big Time Adolescence is available for streaming on Hulu. You can also rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability, as streaming options may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Big Time Adolescence, you might like these similar films:
- The Kings of Summer (2013): Similar coming-of-age story about teenage boys seeking independence and adventure, dealing with friendship and parental issues.
- Superbad (2007): A raunchy teen comedy exploring the awkwardness and misadventures of high schoolers trying to navigate parties, friendships, and losing their virginity.
- Good Boys (2019): Explores similar themes of friendship, rebellion, and the challenges of growing up, but with a younger cast and a more comedic tone.
- Mid90s (2018): Another coming-of-age drama that follows a young teen navigating new friendships and experiences.
🛒 Big Time Adolescence Related Products
- Big Time Adolescence [Blu-ray]: Own a physical copy of the film to add to your collection. The Blu-ray edition often includes behind-the-scenes footage and director’s commentary for a deeper dive into the movie.
- Pete Davidson: SMD [Digital Content]: This comedy special gives you more of Pete Davidson’s humor and insights, which is similar to his style in ‘Big Time Adolescence’.
- Coming-of-Age Movie Poster Pack: Includes iconic movie posters that capture the essence of adolescence, suitable for framing and display in a teen’s room or entertainment area.
- The King of Staten Island [DVD]: More Pete Davidson, this film has similar themes to Big Time Adolescence. It shows his acting range and comedic ability, a must-see for any Pete Davidson fan.
🎧 Soundtrack
Big Time Adolescence 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
Big Time Adolescence is best described as a coming-of-age dramedy. It features comedic elements, but also explores serious themes of friendship, responsibility, and growing up.
Big Time Adolescence was primarily filmed in Liverpool, New York, utilizing locations such as American High Productions for specific scenes.
Big Time Adolescence is rated R due to language, drug use, and some sexual content.
🔥 Bonus Content
Pete Davidson on Rehab and Working with Machine Gun Kelly in ‘Big Time Adolescence’ – Sundance 2019
Ever wonder what it was like for Pete Davidson to work with MGK? This interview gives you a glimpse into their dynamic on set and some personal reflections. Honestly, Pete’s openness is pretty captivating.
Pete Davidson Shows Off the Tattoo He Got Onscreen in ‘Big Time Adolescence’
Did you know Pete Davidson actually got a tattoo *during* filming? This short clip shows him showing it off and talking about the experience. It’s a pretty wild story, you gotta check it out!
Colson Baker (Machine Gun Kelly) on ‘Big Time Adolescence’ & ‘Tickets To My Downfall’ | MTV News
MGK talks about connecting with his character in ‘Big Time Adolescence’ and how it ties into his music. It’s cool to see how he blends his acting and music, check it out!
Big Time Adolescence – Movie Review & Analysis
Still scratching your head about the ending of ‘Big Time Adolescence’? This reviewer dives deep and tries to make sense of it all. Even if you disagree with his interpretation, it’s a fun watch!
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