Watch Speech & Debate

Speech & Debate, a 2017 movie, is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that revolves around three high school students who are passionate about performing and debating. Directed by Dan Harris and written by Stephen Karam, who adapted the movie from his own play, Speech & Debate is a witty and poignant portrayal of teenage angst, self-discovery, and political awakening.

The movie opens with a glimpse into the lives of the three protagonists, each of whom is struggling to find their voice and identity. Diwata (played by Sarah Steele) is a theater enthusiast and an aspiring actress who feels stifled by her conservative upbringing and lack of exposure. Solomon (played by Liam James) is a gay teen who is cynical and withdrawn due to bullying and rejection from his peers. Howie (played by Austin P. McKenzie) is an aspiring journalist and political activist who challenges the status quo but faces resistance from the school authorities.

The three students, who attend the same high school in Salem, Oregon, come together through the school's Speech & Debate Club, an after-school activity that provides them with a platform to express themselves and hone their skills. However, they soon realize that their interests and passions are not valued by the school administration, which is more concerned with maintaining a conservative facade than encouraging creativity and free speech.

Frustrated by the school's complacency and narrow-mindedness, the three students band together to form their own secret club, where they can discuss taboo topics and challenge the establishment. Along the way, they confront their personal demons, come to terms with their sexuality and identity, and discover the transformative power of self-expression.

Speech & Debate is a movie that deals with a wide range of issues that are relevant to teenagers today, including censorship, hypocrisy, homophobia, and political correctness. The script is sharp, witty, and insightful, and the performances by the young ensemble cast are superb. Sarah Steele delivers a standout performance as Diwata, whose quirky personality and spunky spirit are both endearing and empowering. Liam James portrays Solomon with sensitivity and nuance, capturing the character's vulnerability and resilience. Austin P. McKenzie brings a subtle intensity to the role of Howie, whose idealism and passion make him a compelling and relatable character.

The supporting cast of Speech & Debate is equally impressive, with veteran character actors like Jeremy Rowley, Jerry Leggio, and Wendi McLendon-Covey adding depth and humor to the story. Rowley plays the school's hapless drama teacher, who is both clueless and well-meaning. Leggio plays Solomon's father, a conservative pastor who struggles to accept his son's sexuality. McLendon-Covey plays Diwata's mother, a conservative Christian who values conformity over creativity.

Overall, Speech & Debate is a delightful movie that combines humor and heart with social commentary and cultural critique. It is a movie that will resonate with teenagers and adults alike, as it addresses universal themes such as identity, acceptance, and the power of the individual voice. Whether you are a theater buff, a political activist, or simply a lover of good storytelling, Speech & Debate is a movie that is sure to entertain and enlighten you.

Speech & Debate is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 46.