High school.
While I would never want to relive those awkward years, I can’t say that I ever faced the issues that Mara Carlyle did during senior year.
Exploding classmates.
Yes, really.
Based on the novel by Aaron Starmer, Spontaneous is an explosive coming-of-age story, quite literally, that follows the untraditional senior year of Mara (Katherine Langford) and Dylan (Charlie Plummer), two classmates who form an unlikely bond and romance after students in their class start exploding unexpectedly.
Gory, But Not Extremely Violent
Okay, hear me out. This movie is gory and *technically* violent since people are blowing up. But since you never see anyone actually blow up — just the bloody aftermath — I’d say this movie is manageable even for those who generally refrain from scary or violent films. It’s not a slasher movie. It’s a dark comedy which has some gross and disturbing moments, but the violence level is tolerable.
And past the goriness, there’s a rather important message…
Don’t Take Today For Granted
Facing unexplainable and spontaneous explosions of their classmates and wondering if they might be next, Mara and Dylan must learn to appreciate each day and moment that they are given. Yes, prom and graduation look a lot different, but living your life in fear and sadness is also not fulfilling. When tomorrow isn’t promised, they make the most of each day together — with humor, thoughtfulness, and realism.
While exploding teenagers might not be realistic, the idea of unexplainable or unimaginable events happening feels a little close to home. 2020. Need I say more?
Let’s just say, this movie touched me more than I expected.
My Recommendation
Watch this movie if you’re looking for a suspenseful, dark comedy that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. The story and characters are refreshingly witty, raw, and bold, and both Katherine Langford and Charlie Plummer shine as Mara and Dylan, an unlikely couple that complements each other in personality, pop culture humor, and perspective.
Just be prepared for your face to look like this the entire movie. 😮 I’m not joking when I say this movie is shocking, suspenseful, and gory — but I promise you that if I can handle it, you can handle it.
Paramount’s Spontaneous is now available to stream on digital.
Make it a movie night with my drink recipe inspired by Mara’s signature cocktail, appropriately titled by her the ‘All My Friends Are Dead’ drink.
