Reviews
A curated collection of coming-of-age film reviews focusing on the transitional period of youth. Discover thoughtful critiques that prioritize emotional impact, empathy, and the fragile beauty of growing up on screen. We celebrate young artistic talent and the timeless stories that bridge the gap between childhood and adulthood.
The New Kid (2015)
The New Kid is a Coming-of-Age flick which delivers the right doses of comedy and drama to engage and entertain - the best French Coming-of-Age film I have seen. A MUST SEE!
Timmy Slays the Talent Show (2018)
Timmy Slays the Talent Show is a perfect flick for the Tumblr/YouTube generation.
Jackrabbit (2013)
The tale of one boy's struggle to protect himself and his mother and sister from the fists of his abusive father.
Aloud (2016)
A feel-good film with strong Coming-of-Age motifs and an emotive finale, Aloud delivers an excellent cinematic experience and is well worth your time.
Snow in August (2001)
A young boy befriends a Jewish rabbi after witnessing a Jewish merchant being beaten up by racist thugs, leaving the boy and his mother fearful for their lives.
Mid90s (2018)
Mid90s is one of the most refreshing Coming-of-Age dramas released in 2018.
Turning Tide (2018)
Turning Tide is the story of a peculiar encounter between a ten-year-old Scottish boy and an injured German pilot, in the early days of WWII.
Before the Storm (2000)
The Swedish drama "Before the Storm" features two life stories which tangle together resulting in a captivating and engaging narrative that won't leave anyone indifferent.
Breaking Brooklyn (2018)
A Coming-of-Age film with dancing as a central motif.
The Witch in the Window (2018)
Just in time for Halloween, a scary film with a Coming-of-Age motif and a talented and charismatic young actor in one of its lead roles.
Lost in Yonkers (1993)
The story of the peculiar experiences of two young teen brothers who were sent to stay with their stern German grandmother and childlike aunt in Yonkers, New York in the summer of 1942.
Boarding School (2018)
While initially this film appears to be a Coming-of-Age psychodrama, it shapes into something completely different once the story starts developing.
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Léolo(1992)
Léolo is an exemplary Coming-of-Age film, but it requires a specific interest in the genre to fully appreciate it.
Jestem (I Am) – A Profound Coming-of-Age Masterpiece
Jestem is a rare film: a story of survival, of longing, and of the complex architecture of a child’s mind—rendered with precision, empathy, and a profound emotional honesty that lingers long after the credits roll.
Peppermint(1999)
Peppermint (1999) is a Greek Coming-of-Age film starring Giorgos Gerontidakis as young Stefanos Karouzos. Through imaginative childhood adventures, first love, and nostalgic reflections, the film captures the charm and emotional depth of growing up, highlighting the observational style and subtle humor of late ’90s Greek cinema.
The Reflecting Skin (1990) — Growing Into the Darkness
Georgi returns to The Reflecting Skin nearly two decades after his first review — uncovering new layers of fear, beauty, and loss in Philip Ridley’s haunting coming-of-age masterpiece.
Griffin in Summer (2024)
Griffin in Summer is an American independent film in which Griffin’s story delivers a thoughtful, well-acted, and unique Coming-of-Age journey, with enough charm and subtlety to linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
A Father for Charlie (1995)
A Father for Charlie may be a made-for-TV film, but its emotional honesty speaks louder than any big production. With heartfelt performances and a story that touches on themes of morality and compassion, it’s a quietly powerful film.
Secret Delivery (2025)
Set in the final months of World War II, Secret Delivery follows a Czech boy who sneaks across the border into the German Reich to spend time with a German friend. Whenthey come across a wounded French pilot, an adventure begins.
Marshmallow (2025)
Marshmallow (2025) begins with atmospheric horror and psychological intrigue but loses momentum in its slow middle act. While the film is saved somewhat by a clever and imaginative ending, it struggles to justify its feature-length runtime.
The Good Son (1993)
The Good Son follows Mark Evans (Elijah Wood), a boy sent to live with his cousin Henry (Macaulay Culkin) after a family tragedy, only to uncover Henry’s sinister nature beneath a facade of charm.
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