Growing out of adolescence and into adulthood during high school is a cesspool of disaster, which ultimately makes high school-based movies relatable to just about anyone who has experienced the horror. Edge of 17 captured these relatable four years of maturity, while tying in heartbreak, romance, and comedy to create a beautiful coming-of-age story.

Hailee Steinfeld stars as Nadine, the protagonist who guides watchers through her junior year of high school. Nadine is currently battling self-discovery in a world that she sees has all odds against her. Situations like hers run rampant amongst teenagers, and Steinfeld’s ability to express such feelings on-screen creates a character that watchers quickly become emotionally attached to as they identify themselves with her.

Subsequently, when her older brother, played by Blake Jenner, begins dating her best friend of nine years, Nadine feels even worse, like her life has clicked the restart button. With her best and only friend gone, how is she supposed to make it through the year? Faced with challenges such as high school parties, meeting new boys, and family problems, Nadine feels utterly hopeless while all of her relationships are tested. Her journey nurtures a story of comedy, suspense, and sorrow as she figures out how to challenge obstacles with no one by her side.

Ultimately, at the conclusion of the movie, it is as if the viewer is living Nadine’s life, experiencing her moments of strife, embarrassment, and relief. In addition, Nadine’s solutions to her problems can be applicable to almost all people from all walks of life.

Thus, viewers can relate to the breathtaking story of her character development.

To find out how Nadine manages to persevere through the dark months of her junior year, check your local movie theater for the next showing of Edge of 17. Through a comical, heart-warming, and tear-jerking movie, watchers will experience high school in a fresh yet familiar perspective.