While We're Young

Earlier this year, I made a mental note to check out the film "While We're Young" when it came to theaters. Then life happened. I got busy and never got around to seeing it. But thank god for Redbox, always saving the day! I was excited to see "While We're Young" in stock, and eagerly rented it. I didn't have high hopes for this movie, honestly. It is a cute quirky Noah Baumbach film about a forty-something couple who feel trapped in their orderly, routined lives. Then, they meet this wild and exciting young millennial couple who give a new light to their lives. 

This movie has the charm of Woody Allen, but goes beyond swishy romances and cliched storylines. Not only is Baumbach emphasizing the generational gap evident in the twenty first century, but overlays an entirely captivating plotline about filmmaking, ethics, and independence that will put you on the edge of your seat. The contrast between the middle-aged couple, Josh and Cornelia, and the in-your-face hipster couple, Jamie and Darby, highlights the differences between two generations. Every cliche imagined about the millennials and New York hipsters is brought to life on-screen. This sounds like it would be dreadfully annoying- think again. While this notion of throwing shade at our modern youth could have been done distastefully and without style, Baumbach allows young people to laugh at their own ways. 

As a 19 year old, I felt obligated to relate to the youthful couple. However, my traditional ways and love of order left me relating to Josh and Cornelia. I saw how the past generation views the current one- and ultimately realized that my viewpoints on my peers are not that different! I found myself rolling my eyes at the minor character wearing a T-shirt that spells "Some Crappy Band", because that's the reality of modern hipsterdom! 

While this film sometimes feels as if it's trying too hard to be different, ultimately it was a light and fun film that didn't leave you unsatisfied. It didn't seem to spell out messages obviously to the viewer, however you are left with the reminder to follow the beat of your own drum. When you're in the mood for a cute indie film, or are curious about the current generational gap, give "While We're Young" a shot. You will be pleasantly surprised!