Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Young. Wild. Free.’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Sierra Capri and Algee Smith as Cassidy and Brandon in Thembi Banks’ YOUNG. WILD. FREE. (Photo Courtesy of BET+)

It is definitely safe to say that modern society, harbors deep worry about the health and future of our youth, for a bevy of reasons. Some of which are grand in nature. For the unrest present in our world and the current state of the climate, have us wondering what kind of world our children will inherit. Since the outlook there at times seems quite grim. Not to mention, the fact that school shootings are now commonplace leave so many wondering if their kids will even live to see tomorrow, and there is… a growing unrest amongst some of our youth. As though they are fighting something deep within, and that seems to be driving them down dark paths that there is no recovery from.
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All of which has parents wondering… how best to take care of their kids and discover what exactly is bothering them, and how best to quell that, so kids can be kids and make those joyous memories we make in our youth, before the burdens of the world wash over us. But alas, there seems to be no easy answers. For one could cite the unrest that surrounds us as the cause, or perhaps… those concerns about tomorrow have been imparted upon a generation and they cannot rest easy with darkness on the horizon. Or perhaps… there are simpler answers that we are missing. The kind that we everyone could see if we collectively just took the time to really analyze family life in Modern America. For then we could really understand why our kids are frustrated and angry and well, what that could be is top of mind today, because an upcoming film on BET+ will explore such matters in great detail.

Which makes Young. Wild. Free. an important and poignant film that uses quite the unique plot to get its point across. For this is a story that introduces us to a teenager named Brandon who, is struggling to get by in life. For his mother isn’t always present and worries more about herself than Brandon and his siblings, and he of course, is trying to put food on the table and lay down a future for himself with minimal results. Which has Brandon feeling lost, hopeless and full of anger and frustration over tomorrow. But a chance and terrifying encounter with a thief and free spirit named Cassidy, unlocks something special and scary within Brandon. A calling that prompts him to fight back against his current path, and forge one to his liking, no matter the cost.

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Which is a story that makes it clear that one solid reason why our youth is in a tough place, is because our kids don’t get to be kids. They’re expected to grow up too fast and/or they live in a home where parents don’t want to be parents and for teenagers, that’s a catastrophe. Because they’re grappling with enough as is. Change at every turn, an understanding that so much is on the horizon, and to add parenting into the mix, and incredible responsibility, can prompt a young person to snap. Because they cannot process their emotions, much less their day and all of that is internalized and gives rise to explosions similar to what we saw here. Which makes this a poignant story that speaks to how parents must be present, must guide and must understand the need to be part of their kid’s lives, and that is an important reminder in an era where the self, matters more than the whole.
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But while that brings about a fascinating perspective and a fascinating story regarding some of the world’s troubles… there are more wonders to be found in this tale. Because it also explores another aspect of teenage years that we don’t really talk about at all. Which is the importance of maintaining one’s mental health and the importance of being in touch with one’s emotions. Because those go hand in hand with great parenting and help young people to grow and properly prepares them for adulthood. And that is handled in a manner here that is inventive, creative, and shocking. Plus, one cannot go wrong with the fact that this story explores so much about the human condition and the struggles we all face in 2024 since this film ponders upon the modern family unit and its woes and how that too is something children and adults must learn to reconcile.

All of which brings forth, a stunning motion picture. One that is an absolute must-see, and is in many ways, a coming-of-age story that is grounded in the harsh darkness of reality. Of a world that doesn’t always offer happy endings and perfect paths to peace. Which truly does make this a timely and important feature that you can see in a matter of days. For Young. Wild. Free. makes its debut on BET+ on June 27th, 2024, and it is definitely a film that will stay with you long after it has come to an end. Courtesy of its powerful portrayal of the lost nature of our world and its hard lessons on how we can still fix it, if we turn our attention to what matters most in our households… and our lives.

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