Watch Coasting

Coasting is a 2010 independent film directed by Michael Matteo Rossi. The movie revolves around the lives of five friends who reunite ten years after their high school graduation to spend a weekend at the beach house owned by one of them. The group is composed of a mix of personalities, including the responsible and successful William (Jonathan C. Legat), the flirtatious and bubbly Jasmine (Stephanie Wyatt), the free-spirited and adventurous Paul (Thomas J. Akouris), the artistic and introverted Molly (Aria London), and the cynical and blunt Eddie (David Joseph Keller).

The group dynamic is immediately established as William attempts to reign in Jasmine's flirtatious behavior and Eddie expresses his disdain for the frivolousness of the reunion. However, as the weekend progresses, old tensions and unspoken secrets begin to surface, threatening to tear apart the already fragile relationships between the friends.

The themes of the movie center on the struggles of growing up, facing responsibility and the fear of change. William is the most successful member of the group, having achieved a steady job and a successful marriage, but struggles with the weight of responsibility and the mundanity of his daily life. Jasmine represents the carefree and impulsive mentality of youth, but is confronted with the reality of growing older and the inevitability of having to settle down. Paul plays the adventurer, but his constant travel and avoidance of settling down suggest a fear of responsibility and commitment. Molly represents the artistic community, but faces the prospect of having to sell out and pursue a more lucrative career. Eddie is the most cynical and nihilistic of the group, whose outlook on life has been shaped by past disappointment and the feeling that nothing ever really changes.

Throughout the weekend, the group confronts these issues and struggles to reconcile their present lives with their past expectations. Accompanied by stunning scenery and a whimsical music score, the movie is presented in a series of vignettes that explore the characters through their interactions with each other and their surroundings. The visuals are complemented by naturalistic performances that imbue the characters with a sense of realism and relatability.

Coasting is a poignant and reflective movie about the complexities of growing up and the human desire to hold onto the joys of youth. The film is not without its flaws, however, with some critics noting that the pacing can be slow at times and that some of the scenes can come across as contrived. Nevertheless, the movie is overall a touching and insightful examination of the human condition that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt stuck in the past or uncertain about the future.

The acting in the movie is generally well-done, with each character given their own distinct personality and story arc. Jonathan C. Legat stands out as the responsible and conflicted William, while Stephanie Wyatt brings a bubbly energy to the role of Jasmine. Thomas J. Akouris impresses as the adventurous and carefree Paul, while Aria London captures the artistic temperament of Molly. David Joseph Keller rounds out the cast as the cynical and blunt Eddie, providing a sharp contrast to the other characters.

Overall, Coasting is an engaging and poignant movie that offers a thoughtful exploration of the struggles of growing up and the human desire to hold onto the past. With a strong cast and an evocative backdrop, the film succeeds in capturing the universal experiences of youth, whether it be the joys of freedom or the fear of facing the future. Despite its flaws, Coasting is a movie that will leave viewers with a sense of nostalgia and a renewed appreciation for the complexities of the human condition.