Watch Dating Amber

Dating Amber is a coming-of-age movie that explores the struggles of two teenagers who are trying to discover their true identities in Ireland in the 1990s. Directed and written by David Freyne, the film stars Fionn O'Shea and Lola Petticrew as Eddie and Amber, two high school students who pretend to date each other to avoid the homophobic bullying they face from their peers.

Eddie is a closeted gay boy whose father is a military man, and whose sole purpose is to follow in his father's footsteps by enlisting in the army. Amber is a rebellious girl who is ridiculed for not conforming to the gender norms imposed on her by society. They both feel like outcasts and feel the need to hide their true selves from everyone around them.

The film is set in a small Irish town where the locals are small-minded, and anyone who deviates from the norm is ostracized. Amber and Eddie are both struggling with a sense of self-acceptance and a longing to escape from their limited surroundings. They form a close friendship, bonding over their shared experiences of being bullied, which blossoms into a fake relationship to make it seem like they are "normal."

The narrative of Dating Amber is driven by their journey of self-discovery and their growing fondness for one another. The film explores the emotions and insecurities of growing up gay in a time where acceptance was hard to find. The movie cleverly tackles same-sex relationships with humor and sensitivity, while also highlighting how easy it is for people to be swept up in the homophobia and prejudice of their society.

The film's cinematography is another strong point, with its masterful use of green, lush landscapes, a hallmark of Ireland's countryside. The natural beauty of the setting contrasts starkly with the narrow-mindedness and rigidity of the town's population, evoking a sense of isolation from the world.

The performances by the lead cast are emotionally nuanced, and the chemistry between O'Shea and Petticrew's characters is empowering. They show the awkwardness of teenage friendships and romance without being cheesy, something that David Freyne hit right on the head. They were natural in their delivery of lines, bringing out the laughter and emotions at the right time.

Other standout performances include those by Sharon Horgan as Eddie's aloof mother, Barry Ward as his abusive father, and Simone Kirby as Amber’s understanding mother. They all contribute to the movie's authenticity, making it a film that is both heartfelt and relatable.

The layered and complex characters, the delicate exploration of sexual orientation, and the thematic undertones of the movie make it a standout in the coming-of-age genre. The film is an inspiring tale of two teenagers grappling with their sexuality and their place in the world.

Dating Amber tackles serious issues with gentle, warm-hearted humor, making it an easy film to watch and enjoy, while still offering food for thought, and challenges to one's preconceptions. It is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and feel nostalgic all at once.

Overall, Dating Amber is a movie that everyone, regardless of orientation, can relate to. It teaches us to accept and love ourselves, even when the world is against us. It is a film that should be watched by anyone looking for a heartwarming, authentic, and emotionally engaging story that will leave them feeling uplifted.

Dating Amber is a 2020 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 59.