I was excited to screen the (gory) coming-of-age dark comedy, SPONTANEOUS, released last Tuesday, and had high expectations of how entertaining I thought it would be.
Based on the Aaron Starmer YA novel by the same name, and starring Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why) and Charlie Plummer (Words on Bathroom Walls), the film appeared to be a cross between 2019’s Booksmart, with its wit, and Anna and the Apocalypse with its dark humor.
Here’s the synopsis: “Mara Carlye’s life is forever changed when students in her senior class literally explode for no discernible reason. As students continue to pop like blood-filled balloons and the town descends into both chaos and apathy, Mara and her friends stay close together as they await possible combustion – wondering what part of life is worth living if it might end suddenly.”
Intriguing, no? But, ultimately I was more grossed out than entertained. Despite its 97% fresh critic’s score on Rotten Tomatoes (with only 39 reviews listed), I thought the movie served as an unneeded lesson on “bad *ish happens” and is arguably the most morbid, and unnecessary, film I’ve watched this year.
I enjoyed seeing the remarkable Yvonne Orji (Insecure’s Molly), as FBI agent Rosetti who’s called in to investigate the events, but her character isn’t given much screen time and I wished she played a bigger part.
An extremely gory tale, with no final rhyme or reason outside of the adage “live your life,” “Spontaneous” is not for the squeamish nor those who are looking for a tale with clear intentions. I rate it 2.5 out of 5 on the MMTrometer.
SPONTANEOUS is available now on Video-On-Demand and for Digital purchase.
Until next thought, Thomasena
Music Movies Thoughts 