Joe (Nick Robinson) and Patrick (Gabriel Basso) have been best friends since childhood. But this summer is going to be different. Now they’re going to be best friend men! In the ultimate act of defiance they leave home unannounced and move to the woods, build a house and live off the land. An odd-duck-kid named Biaggio (Moises Arias) joins them. Biaggio at times feels like Mr Bean at sixteen. Soon this coming of age story resembles a Wes Anderson-ish attempt at Lord of the Flies.
The story’s perception is from the teen boys’ point of view – that moment in ‘coming of age’ when parents begin to look and sound like aliens who can do nothing but be a complete and utter embarrassment to a teen’s every waking moment. And since there’s no bridging of the gap, the boys build a respite where rules don’t define them, and where they can be in control. But as they strive to be men, it’s a woman who might tear them apart. Kelly (Erin Moriarty) is the sweet heartbreaker that could take this summer house down.
Despite it’s quirky steps and sharp dialog, this Sundance pick doesn’t quite gel. Like the boys, it struggles to find its identity. Moonrise Kingdom it’s not, but that’s okay, too. ♚ ♛