Mid90s

| 2018

Directed by: Jonah Hill

Main Plot

Mid90s follows the life of a 13-year-old boy named Stevie, who is navigating the challenges of adolescence in Los Angeles during the 1990s. Feeling isolated and struggling with his home life, Stevie seeks solace and acceptance in the local skateboarding scene. He befriends a group of older skaters who introduce him to their world, filled with both camaraderie and the harsh realities of growing up. As Stevie immerses himself in skate culture, he grapples with issues of identity, friendship, and the desire to fit in. The film captures the highs and lows of youth, showcasing the thrill of skateboarding alongside the complexities of teenage relationships and the search for belonging. Through his experiences, Stevie learns valuable lessons about loyalty, self-discovery, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.

Characters

  • Sunny Suljic plays Stevie, a young boy who finds solace and identity in a group of older skateboarders, navigating friendship, family issues, and self-discovery.
  • Katherine Waterston plays Dabney, the single mother of the protagonist, Stevie. She struggles to understand her son's new skateboarding lifestyle and friends.
  • Lucas Hedges plays Ian, the older brother of the protagonist. Ian's strained relationship with his younger brother highlights family tensions and influences the protagonist's journey.

Ending Explained

In Mid90s, the ending encapsulates the journey of self-discovery and the impact of friendship during adolescence. The film concludes with Stevie, the young protagonist, having navigated the complexities of his relationships with his skateboarding friends and his family. After a series of experiences that include both joy and pain, Stevie finds himself at a crossroads. The climax occurs when a skateboarding accident leads to a serious injury for one of his friends, highlighting the risks and consequences of their lifestyle. This event serves as a wake-up call for Stevie, forcing him to reflect on the choices he has made and the influence of his peers. In the final scenes, Stevie is seen skating alone, symbolizing his newfound independence and the bittersweet nature of growing up. The ending ties back to the film's exploration of youth, identity, and the search for belonging. It emphasizes the idea that while friendships can be formative, they can also lead to difficult situations. Ultimately, Stevie's journey illustrates the balance between embracing one's individuality and the importance of navigating the challenges that come with it, leaving viewers with a sense of hope and introspection about the transition into adulthood.

Jonah Hill Comedy Drama Sunny Suljic Katherine Waterston Lucas Hedges