Incoming is an upcoming 2024 American teen comedy film written and directed by Dave and John Chernin, which is slated to release on Netflix. The film depicts the unique blend of cringe and heartfelt moments that defined the experiences of four freshmen in high school during their first week at a new school. Incoming is rooted in familiar adolescent stereotypes, from awkward crushes and friendships to wild parties, which is characteristic of teen comedies, but attempts to elevate the genre with newer cultural references.
With a cast that includes Mason Thames, Raphael Alejandro, Ramon Reed, Bardia Seiri, Isabella Ferreira, Ali Gallo, Loren Gray, Kaitlin Olson, and Bobby Cannavale, the film seeks to balance its crude humor with genuine emotional moments. Though it garnered positive reception for nostalgic tone, performances, and some witty humor, the film faced criticism for relying excessively on tropes and lack of emotional depth.
Plot Summary
The narrative revolves on Benj Nielsen, a hopeful and socially awkward freshman attempting a reinvention. His goal is to win the attention of Bailey, an older girl who is friends with his sister, Alyssa. Accompanying him on this journey are his three closest friends: Eddie, a gregarious talker who’s Tesla-driving mother gives him an edge; Connor, a sweet but socially inept introverted guy; and Koosh, an off-the-wall underdog who is clamoring for serious attention.
To achieve a “cool” makeover, Benj’s first step is to befriend Ruby, a senior assigned to drive him to school. To impress Ruby and some other peers, Benj agrees to deliver what he thinks is a fake drug to a group of skateboarders. Things get out of hand when it turns out to actually be a drug, Benj’s viral stunt surprisingly accelerates his burgeoning fame.
At the same time, Koosh has decided to try and take down his brother by organizing a legendary party that will make him a legend overnight. When the event turns exclusive to freshman, only Benj gets an invite, creating rifts within the group. On the other hand, Eddie and Connor are in hot water for driving an inebriated influencer home using Eddie’s mother’s Tesla, resulting in them having to deal with a massive cleanup bill.
At the event, Koosh stuns everyone with a spa themed rendezvous with Gabrielle, a girl he happens to fancy. Mr. Studebaker, played by Cannavale, a washed up chemistry teacher, makes the party even worse by crashing it in an embarrassing attempt to regain youthful popularity. The things he does become more and more disruptive.
Finally, Benj can chat with Bailey and after being goaded into trying some white powder that he assume is harmless, he ends up experiencing a rough trip. With his fantasy shattered, disappointed Bailey walks away. Benj wakes up confused with his actions from the previous night.
The story ends with Benj looking for help from his sister Alyssa. She tells him that being liked does not require hard work, but just being honest about oneself. With newfound confidence, Benj performs Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” and proposes to Bailey during the school pep rally. While she initially rejects his proposition, her later wink suggests she is hiding a more favorable opinion. Mr. Studebaker gets fired after his drunken party sub antics go viral, marking the lowest point in his career.
Characters and Performances
Mason Thames as Benj adds physical comedy, vulnerability, and awkward charm to a self-discovery narrative fresh teenage role. His performance grounds the ensemble, making the story relatable alongside its emotional depth.
Bardia Seiri as Koosh portrays the group’s quirky heart. His attempts to gain respect and notice from his peers lead to some of the film’s most memorable and eccentric moments.
As Eddie and Connor, Ramon Reed and Raphael Alejandro offer commendable comic relief. Their subplot featuring a Tesla and a drunken influencer serves to encapsulate the dangers of growing up too fast.
Isabella Ferreira as Bailey strikes a mix of disinterested and authentic. Although her role is somewhat underdeveloped, she effectively portrays the “cool girl” archetype with intricacies.
Ali Gallo as Alyssa is the catalyst to Benj’s character and provides the film with its most substantial wisdom.
Bobby Cannavale steals scenes as the deeply insecure Mr. Studebaker. His performance, oscillating between cringeworthy and tragic, adds a layer of adult absurdity to the film.
Direction, Tone, and Style
As fast-paced as the film is, it embraces chaotic teen energy through split narratives, slapstick and character-driven humor. Their work on adult sitcoms gives them a raunchy edge reminiscent of early 2000s teen comedies, which they blend with attempts at emotional sincerity.
While the heartfelt moments between siblings is woven with poop jokes, it aligns beautifully with the very adolescence it attempts to portray. Hallways of schools filled with bright and bold colors, lively parties bathed in neon lights, and the trendy smartphone filters recording life highlight the visual style.
Themes and Subtext
Identity and Authenticity
In his struggle, Benj learns that trying too hard to meet other people’s expectations is counterproductive. In the end, it is authenticity that stands stronger over performance.
Peer Pressure and Consequences
The film does document the regrettable aftermath of the impulsive decisions such as the failed parties, parental grounding, and social shame.
Friendship and Loyalty
In a bid to showcase the endurance of friendship, the film also illustrates the deep rifts that arise within these friendships.
Generational Divide
Characters such as Mr. Studebaker allow the film to poke gentle fun at grown-up adolescents as they are contrasted with teenagers who are attempting to figure out how to become adults.
Social Status and Popularity
Trends, likes and follows drives the narrative action and provides relevant commentary on high school social life in the age of the internet.
Reception and Critique
In regard to Incoming, critics had a varied consensus. Most seemed to appreciate the film’s enthusiastic cast and its contemporary take on the teenage comedy film. Emphasis was often put on the performances of Mason Thames and Bobby Cannavale. However, the film drew negative criticism for its over reliance on recurring cliches such as the cringe party, drug mishap, and awkward serenade.
Some viewers interpreted Bailey’s final gesture as a wink, leaving the couple’s relationship unresolved. Others thought that the subplots were too fragmented and focused upon unsolved conflicts.
Older audiences did not share these sentiments. Incoming was particularly enjoyable for older viewers who grew up with the wave of teen comedies from the ’90s and 2000s, while younger audiences empathized with the social dynamics and friendships showcased.
Conclusion
Although Incoming does not offer anything particularly innovative to the teen comedy genre, it offers ample charm, humor, and relatability to sufficiently entertain its intended demographic. The film features a lovable cast as well, with Mason Thames delivering a strong central performance and Bobby Cannavale providing a side-splitting supporting role. It captures the awkward, chaotic energy of early high school. It may not achieve classic status, but Incoming is a chaotic and occasionally insightful addition to Netflix’s growing collection of youth-centered narratives.
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