Crush Story:-
In the Hulu original romantic comedy Crush, directed by Sammi Cohen, viewers are introduced to the world of Paige, a young aspiring artist portrayed by Rowan Blanchard. Set against the backdrop of bustling high school life and the vibrant energy of a supportive community, Crush explores themes of self-discovery, teenage romance, and the pursuit of creative passion.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 7 October 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Drama, Romance |
| Duration | 1h 32min |
| Cast | Rowan Blanchard, Auliʻi Cravalho, Isabella Ferreira, Tyler Alvarez, Teala Dunn, Rico Paris, Aasif Mandvi, Michelle Buteau, Megan Mullally, Addie Weyrich, Jes Tom, Catherine McCafferty |
| Director | Sammi Cohen |
| Cinematography | Matthew Wise |
| Music | St. Panther |
| Producer | Britta Rowings, Katie Newman, Natasha Lyonne, Maya Rudolph, Andrew Miano, Danielle Renefrew Behrens, Mickey Liddell, Pete Shilaimon, Jeremy Garelick, Will Phelps, Ryan Bennett |
| Production | Animal Pictures, American High, Depth of Field Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment, LD Entertainment |
| Certificate | 16+ |
At its core, Crush presents a refreshing take on the traditional teen rom-com formula by placing an openly gay protagonist, Paige, at the forefront of the narrative. This decision not only adds diversity to the genre but also reflects a more inclusive representation of contemporary youth experiences. Paige’s journey of self-acceptance and exploration of her feelings for her crush, Gabby (Isabella Ferreira), serves as a central storyline, highlighting the complexities of navigating identity and relationships during adolescence.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its portrayal of familial relationships, particularly Paige’s dynamic with her mother, Angie, played by Megan Mullally. Angie’s unapologetically sex-positive attitude and unwavering support for her daughter add depth to the narrative, challenging traditional parent-child dynamics and providing a source of humor and warmth throughout the film. This portrayal of a non-conventional family unit contributes to the film’s overall message of acceptance and embracing individuality.
However, despite its progressive values and inclusive cast, Crush struggles to fully realize its potential due to its tritely unfunny humor and thinly developed characters. The film’s attempts at humor often feel forced and lack the wit and charm needed to resonate with audiences. Additionally, some characters, such as Gabby’s sister AJ (Auli’I Cravalho), are underutilized and lack depth, leaving their potential unexplored.
The central plot of Crush revolves around Paige’s quest to uncover the identity of a mysterious graffiti artist known as “King Pun.” While this storyline provides a framework for the film’s narrative, it ultimately falls short in delivering the intrigue and excitement expected from a mystery subplot. The resolution of the mystery feels predictable and lacks the payoff needed to justify the buildup.
Despite its shortcomings, Crush does succeed in capturing the essence of teenage life, with its vibrant cinematography and energetic performances adding to the overall charm of the film. Blanchard shines in the role of Paige, bringing depth and authenticity to her character, while Ferreira delivers a captivating performance as Gabby, portraying the complexities of teenage romance with sincerity.
In conclusion, while Crush offers a promising premise and a cast of talented actors, it ultimately fails to live up to its potential due to its tritely unfunny humor and thinly developed characters. However, its progressive values and inclusive representation contribute to a more diverse and authentic portrayal of contemporary youth experiences. Despite its flaws, Crush remains an entertaining and lighthearted addition to the teen rom-com genre, offering moments of warmth and humor amidst its shortcomings.
“Crush” is available to stream on Hulu.
