Synopsis:
When students in their high school begin inexplicably exploding (literally…), seniors Mara (Katherine Langford) and Dylan (Charlie Plummer) struggle to survive in a world where each moment may be their last. As an unexpected romance blossoms between them, Mara and Dylan discover that when tomorrow is no longer promised, they can finally start living for today!
Every once in awhile a movie comes along that you don’t have to overthink yet it’s still full of substance. One that gives you the feels but is also shocking, funny, and witty. One that is simply fun to watch. Look no further, Spontaneous is an explosively fun and heartfelt romantic horror-comedy. Now, I know that you’re probably wondering how a film about teenagers spontaneously combusting is fun, but just trust me. Based on a book of the same name by Aaron Starmer, this film adaption is an unexpected gem. While the film’s overarching themes of, live in the moment and tomorrow isn’t promised is spelled out pretty quickly, it becomes increasingly evident with every scene. Nothing screams seize the day like watch your peers explode. Honestly, they dropped the ball by not making XO Tour Llif3 the theme song. Anyway, With its great performances and fantastic writing, Spontaneous is able to equally balance its horror, comedy, and romance in a masterful way. It’s a film that may trick you with its glossy exterior, it’s bright, upbeat, and comical but its guts are something to take seriously (and they’re everywhere).
Despite all of its wittiness, the story is obviously a grim one and eventually turns very dark but not in the way you might initially expect. Not only does it focus on the gory eruptions of high school seniors, but on those that have to learn to cope with a usually unexpected future. Let me not forget about the romance that materializes. We all know that teen romance can be vapid, short, and purely surface level but this one is different. Not only is the love connection the heart of the film but its spontaneity and genuineness are honestly, pretty freaking cute. Furthermore, Katherine Langford truly shines and proves why it’s her time is now. I thoroughly enjoyed Spontaneous, which puts this pandemic in perspective as well, if it wasn’t already. Its rewatchabilty is high.
Plot & Pace
The story follows high school senior, Mara after a fellow classmate spontaneously combusts all over everyone in the classroom. Not knowing the cause, the students as well as the rest of the town are completely frantic and confused by the event. Mara however isn’t affected the same way as everyone else but she doesn’t quite know how to cope either. Once a bold young man decides to shoot his shot and express his feelings for Mara through text, a whirlwind romance ensues. Not knowing if more of them will explode, living in the moment has now become the most important thing. The pace of the film is fantastic. It begins will a boom and keeps you thoroughly entertained throughout.
Characters & Chemistry
As I said previously, Katherine Langford was amazing as Mara. She’s the rebel girl that outwardly seems not to care but is actually a bit of a softy. Her chemistry with Dylan (Charlie Plummer) is so adorable that it’s forced me to type words like cute and adorable. Tess (Hayley Law) is also a bright spot. She’s the yin to Mara’s yang and their best friend chemistry is only rivaled by the Mara-Dylan relationship. The entire cast is great which is what made this film so much fun to watch.
Spontaneous releases in theaters on October 2nd and Digital and VOD on October 6th. Enjoy and stay safe.
Director: Brian Duffield
Writers: Brian Duffield, Aaron Starmer (author)
Rated: R
Runtime: 1h 37m
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
