Young. Wild. Free. is a 2023 American drama film written by Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, directed by Thembi Banks and starring Algee Smith. It is Banks' feature directorial debut.[1][2][3]

Young. Wild. Free.
Directed byThembi Banks
Written byJuel Taylor
Tony Rettenmaier
Produced by
  • Charles D. King
  • James Lopez
  • Poppy Hanks
  • Tommy Oliver
  • Baron Davis
  • Tracy "Twinkie" Byrd
Starring
CinematographyCary Lalonde
Dennis Zanatta
Edited byLindsay Armstrong
Release dates
  • January 22, 2023 (2023-01-22) (Sundance)
  • June 27, 2024 (2024-06-27) (BET+ )
Running time
113 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Plot

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A teenager struggling to provide for his younger siblings in Compton finds his life turned upside down when he's held at gunpoint by the girl of his dreams.

Cast

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Production

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According to Banks, the first day of filming occurred on March 11, 2020 and then filming was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[4] In August 2022, it was reported that production on the film was underway in Los Angeles.[5]

Release

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The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in the Library Center Theater on January 22, 2023.[6][7]

This BET+ original produced by MACRO premieres on BET+ June 27.[8]

Reception

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The film has a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on fifteen reviews.[9]

Tomris Laffly of Variety gave the film a negative review and wrote, "An Uncertain Script Saddles a Stylish Coming-of-Age Movie Full of Los Angeles Love."[10]

Esther Zuckerman of IndieWire graded the film a C− and wrote, "Trust me, you’ve heard this one before."[11]

Patrice Witherspoon of Screen Rant awarded the film four stars out of five.[6]

References

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  1. ^ Genai, Shanelle (January 24, 2023). "Sundance 2023: Algee Smith Takes a Convincing Turn Towards Recklessness in Young.Wild.Free". The Root. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  2. ^ Penrice, Ronda Racha (January 25, 2023). "SANAA LATHAN, ALGEE SMITH AND SIERRA CAPRI DISCUSS 'YOUNG. WILD. FREE'". Ebony. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  3. ^ Hullender, Tatiana (January 26, 2023). "Young. Wild. Free. Director On The Challenges Of Her Colorful Film Debut [Sundance]". Screen Rant. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  4. ^ ""It Was a Blessing in Disguise To Have More Time"; Thembi Banks, Young. Wild. Free". Filmmaker. January 25, 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  5. ^ Corrine, Amber (August 14, 2022). "Sanaa Lathan, Mike Epps, And More To Star In 'Young. Wild. Free.'". Vibe. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Witherspoon, Patrice (January 26, 2023). "Young. Wild. Free. Review: Banks' Bold Feature Debut Is Captivating [Sundance]". Screen Rant. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  7. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (January 26, 2023). "Thembi L. Banks & Cast On Finding The Fire In 'Young. Wild. Free.' – Sundance Studio". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  8. ^ "Summer's Almost Here! 5 Movies to Keep on Your Radar". BET. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  9. ^ "Young. Wild. Free". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  10. ^ Laffly, Tomris (January 22, 2023). "'Young. Wild. Free.' Review: An Uncertain Script Saddles a Stylish Coming-of-Age Movie Full of Los Angeles Love". Variety. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  11. ^ Zuckerman, Esther (January 22, 2023). "'Young. Wild. Free.' Review: A Stylish, Letterboxd-Friendly Drama That Goes Further Off the Rails with Each Twist". IndieWire. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
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