Booksmart

Two high achievers, Molly and Amy, realize on the eve of graduation that four years of chasing perfection have kept them from truly living. They have built their identities around perfect grades and flawless plans, yet a surge of doubt hits when friends celebrate carefree moments they missed. Their impulsive vow to cram four years of fun into a night launches a wild scramble through dorms, houses, and city streets, with improvisational set pieces, awkward encounters, and new allies. As misadventures pile up, their bond deepens and they confront what they want from life beyond diplomas in surprising ways. The chaos is funny and the message lands. Friendship saves night. The night offers ups and downs that test their bond.

Directed by Olivia Wilde, the film stems from an original screenplay by Sarah Haskins, Emily Halpern and Katie Silberman. Wilde's feature debut pairs brisk dialogue with kinetic energy and a bold, empathetic look at high school pressures and female friendship.

Box office: The film grossed 24,849,029 worldwide on a 6 million budget, a solid return for a character driven comedy, and it continued to attract viewers on streaming platforms after its theatrical run, helping sustain interest in the film today.

The movie sparked conversations about teen friendship and female autonomy, with many praising its frank humor and warmth. Audiences noticed Wilde's balance of wit and vulnerability, and it helped shape a wave of smart, character driven comedies centered on young women. Its honest depiction of missteps and growth resonated widely.

Critics noted the film's brisk pace, strong performances from Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever, and its focus on friendship, pressure, and the choice between safety and risk. Some argued it avoids mean spirited humor while delivering a loving portrayal of adolescence. Its themes resonate beyond the screen with audiences today.