Beach Rats
dir. Eliza Hittman · 2017
Feature
Coming of Age
Mood
Melancholic / Contemplative
Look
muted colors with naturalistic lighting, intimate close-ups, and a documentary-like realism
Structure
character-driven with episodic vignettes
Plot
An aimless teenager on the outer edges of Brooklyn struggles to escape his bleak home life and navigate questions of self-identity, as he balances his time between his delinquent friends, a potential new girlfriend, and older men he meets online.
Why watch
"Beach Rats" captures the bittersweet journey of a young man grappling with his identity amidst the vibrant yet isolating backdrop of Brooklyn. With its poignant exploration of digital intimacy and fleeting connections, this film resonates deeply with anyone navigating the complexities of love and self-discovery.
Talking points
- the complexities of sexual identity
- the role of technology in modern relationships
- the impact of environment on self-discovery
- the nuances of youth and adulthood
Cultural context
Brooklyn's evolving identityLGBTQ+ youth experiencesthe impact of digital relationshipsthe search for belonging in urban spaces