Booksmart Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two super-smart besties realize that maybe partying is also a skill, so they try to cram all of high school’s fun into one epic night of questionable decisions and even more questionable pizza delivery guys.

🍿 Booksmart: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: The Overachievers

Molly and Amy are two best friends and academic superstars on the last day of their senior year. They’ve dedicated their high school careers to academics, foregoing social events to ensure their acceptance into Ivy League colleges. Molly is heading to Yale, and Amy is planning to spend the summer in Botswana before starting at Columbia.

The Realization and the Quest for Fun

Molly overhears classmates discussing their college acceptances, revealing that even the ‘slackers’ got into good schools while also having fun in high school. This realization prompts Molly to convince Amy to cram four years of partying into one night before graduation. Their mission: to attend Nick’s graduation party.

A Night of Mishaps and Misadventures

The girls’ quest to find the party is filled with hilarious mishaps. They mistakenly end up at a yacht party hosted by Jared, a classmate infatuated with Molly, and later stumble into a murder mystery party after getting a ride from their principal. These experiences lead to drug-induced hallucinations and awkward encounters, testing their friendship.

Confrontations and Revelations

At Nick’s party, tensions rise as Amy discovers Ryan, her crush, making out with Nick. Molly prioritizes her own romantic interests, leading to a heated argument with Amy. Amy reveals she’s taking a gap year, highlighting the cracks in their friendship and Molly’s controlling tendencies.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Amy (Kaitlyn Dever): A highly academic and openly lesbian high school senior who decides to experience a bit of teenage rebellion before heading off to college.
• Molly (Beanie Feldstein): The overachieving class president and Amy’s best friend who instigates their quest for a night of high school fun.
• Nick (Mason Gooding): The popular and athletic class vice president who hosts the graduation party that Amy and Molly strive to reach.
• Jared (Skyler Gisondo): A wealthy and eccentric classmate who is infatuated with Molly and helps them in their quest, though often misguidedly.
• Gigi (Billie Lourd): A wild and unpredictable classmate who embodies the carefree party lifestyle that Amy and Molly initially scorn.
• Miss Fine (Jessica Williams): The supportive and unconventional teacher who offers guidance and assistance to Amy and Molly during their chaotic night.
• Principal Brown (Jason Sudeikis): The well-meaning but somewhat clueless principal who inadvertently becomes a part of Amy and Molly’s eventful night.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Molly: “We didn’t just miss out on high school, we missed out on each other.” – Molly realizes she and Amy prioritized academics at the expense of their friendship and experiences.
• Amy: “I just… I always thought that, like, you had to choose. You know, like, either be smart or be fun.” – Amy expresses her revelation that people can be both intelligent and socially active.
• Molly: “Oh my god, we’re children of divorce. We’re basically orphans.” – Said during a moment of heightened emotion and realization during their night out.
• Miss Fine: “You guys think you’re so much better than everyone else.” – Miss Fine calls out Amy and Molly’s elitist attitude towards their classmates, challenging their assumptions.
• Gigi: “Be open to the possibilities!” – Gigi’s mantra encapsulates the film’s theme of embracing new experiences and stepping outside one’s comfort zone.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $22,680,962
• Worldwide Gross: $24,959,607

💥 Booksmart Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Booksmart! It felt so real and relatable, even though my own high school experience was nothing like that wild night. I was laughing constantly, and honestly, I teared up a bit during the graduation scene. It was a reminder of those intense friendships you make when you’re young and figuring things out. The scene with the dolls was so bizarre, but hilarious. I walked out feeling happy and nostalgic!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of coming-of-age comedies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong female leads”
  • “Audiences looking for a funny and heartwarming story about friendship”
  • “Those interested in movies that challenge high school stereotypes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The Wrap: “”Booksmart” is a hilarious and heartwarming coming-of-age story that subverts teen movie tropes with sharp writing and fantastic performances. The chemistry between Dever and Feldstein is electric, making their friendship feel authentic and relatable. Wilde’s directorial debut is a triumph, delivering a fresh and funny take on the high school experience.
• AV Club: “Olivia Wilde’s “Booksmart” is a vibrant and energetic comedy that captures the anxieties and joys of adolescence. While the plot may be familiar, the film’s witty dialogue and strong performances elevate it above the typical teen fare. It’s a celebration of female friendship and a reminder that there’s more than one way to succeed in life.
• Vulture: “”Booksmart” is a smart, funny, and genuinely touching film that showcases the power of female friendship. Dever and Feldstein are a dynamic duo, and Wilde’s direction is confident and assured. It’s a refreshing and relevant take on the high school experience that will resonate with audiences of all ages.

Audience Reactions

The doll scene was incredibly creative and memorable.: The strong female friendship between the two leads.

Billie Lourd’s performance as Gigi was hilarious and chaotic.: The relatable depiction of high school anxieties.

Overall Consensus: Booksmart is a critically acclaimed coming-of-age comedy praised for its sharp writing, strong performances, and refreshing take on the high school experience. While some found it overhyped, most agree that it’s a hilarious and heartwarming film that celebrates female friendship.

Awards

1. Critics’ Choice Movie Award (Best Comedy)- 2020

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Olivia Wilde encouraged Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein to live together for 10 weeks before filming to build their on-screen chemistry.”
• “The film’s humor and character dynamics are heavily inspired by classic teen comedies like ‘Superbad’ and John Hughes movies, but with a modern, female-centric perspective.”
• “Billie Lourd’s character, Gigi, was largely improvised, showcasing Lourd’s comedic talent and adding to the film’s unpredictable energy.”

🖥️ How to Watch Booksmart?

Booksmart is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. As streaming availability changes, please verify with your preferred platform.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Booksmart, you might like these similar films:

• Superbad (2007): Shares the same raunchy, coming-of-age humor and ‘one crazy night’ premise.
• Lady Bird (2017): Explores the complexities of female friendship and the transition from high school to adulthood with a similar level of wit and emotional depth.
• Mean Girls (2004): Captures the dynamics of high school social hierarchies and the challenges of navigating teenage relationships with sharp comedic writing.
• Edge of Seventeen (2016): A coming-of-age story that explores the awkwardness and emotional rollercoaster of high school with a relatable and humorous approach.
• American Graffiti (1973): Captures the nostalgic feeling of the last night of summer and the uncertainty of the future through the lens of a group of graduating high schoolers.

🛒 Booksmart Related Products

• Booksmart [Blu-ray]: Own the movie on Blu-ray and relive the hilarious and heartwarming journey of Amy and Molly. Includes exclusive behind-the-scenes content and deleted scenes.
• Booksmart Movie Poster: Decorate your room with the official Booksmart movie poster. Featuring the iconic image of Amy and Molly ready for their epic night, it’s a perfect way to show your love for the film.
• Booksmart T-Shirt: Wear your favorite movie with pride with this exclusive “Booksmart” T-shirt! Available in various sizes and colors, it’s a comfortable and stylish way to show off your love for the film.
• Kaitlyn Dever & Beanie Feldstein Signed Photo: Own a piece of Booksmart history with a signed photo of the film’s stars, Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein. A rare and valuable collectible for dedicated fans.

🎧 Soundtrack

Booksmart features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “To Whom It May Concern” – performed by Sam Spiegel (feat. CeeLo Green, Theophilus London & Alex Ebert)
• “So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings” – performed by Caroline Polachek
• “The Glow” – performed by The Space Song

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

BOOKSMART || Billie Lourd as Gigi being iconic for 7 minutes straight

If you’re craving a quick dose of laughter and want to relive some of the best moments from Booksmart, check out this compilation dedicated entirely to Billie Lourd’s scene-stealing performance as Gigi. It’s a hilarious and heartwarming tribute to her character’s unique brand of wit and charm.

watch?v=cd9GHyzFU1g

How Booksmart Subverts Teen Stereotypes | Video Essay

If you’re a fan of Booksmart and enjoy thoughtful discussions about film, this video essay is a must-watch. It delves into the movie’s clever subversion of teen movie tropes, highlighting its unique approach to storytelling and character development.

watch?v=VfAzn-Hd4C0

Billie Lourd on Mom Carrie Fisher & New Movie Booksmart

For those interested in getting to know Billie Lourd beyond her role in Booksmart, this interview offers a fascinating glimpse into her personal life and family history. She shares her memories of her mother, Carrie Fisher, and discusses how they shaped her own experiences as an actress and a person.

watch?v=hk1jBAys0-4

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