Because of you

Beach themed coming-of-age romcom that doesn't wanna be more than it should - cute, semi-funny, pretty, etc. Won't shake up your world but will deliver summer vibes.

I have seen many coming of age films that start like this and when it surprises enough to avoid cliched pitfalls ... I start to enjoy it. The leads bring a fresh chemistry of relaxed unpretentiousness that hints at the depths to be seen later.

The languid resort town pace and great direction by Sofia Alvarez bring this sweet movie to a genuine close that doesnt rely on the conventional and is all for the best of a heartfelt film.

If you enjoy a subtle play on theme where Emma channels a wonderful and nuanced Jennifer Connelly in the character you will love this! As do I.

I definitely agree with the majority of reviewers who are giving this between a 6 and a 7. The storyline had the potential to be so much more but in general it, and the actors. Always fell a little flat to me. I gave it a 7 because I managed to get through it until the end, but I was never moved in the way I would like to be when watching a movie, and honestly, I could have just as easily given in a 6. So much could have been developed more - family dynamics, relationships, friendships. In short, watch this if you have nothing else to watch and you will probably feel a bit meh throughout. It was entirely surface and superficial.

A very formulaic teen coming of age that goes through the motions with no heart. The cast had no chemistry and the lines felt delivered rather than acted.

"Teen goes to the beach town of 'the other parent' to learn who they really are" is a pretty standard movie set-up. Maybe the book the movie is based on has elements from the real life of its author so the trope is less stereotypical and more biographical. Regardless, I think my only harsh critique is in the casting of Andie McDowell & Dermot Mulroney as parents of an 18 year-old only child, when they both have a full head of gray hair and are clearly well past or pushing 60. Both talented legendary actors, but time for them to accept that that parental roles are behind them now. Other than that it's a perfectly watchable coming of age story where the quiet kid finally learns to speak up and figure out where they want to go in life.