Watch Teen Spirit

Teen Spirit is a 2018 movie that follows the story of Violet Valenski (played by Elle Fanning), an introverted teenager from a small town on the Isle of Wight who dreams of becoming a pop star. In her free time, Violet sings at a local bar and posts videos of her performances online, hoping to be discovered. One day, Violet sees an advertisement for an American Idol-like singing competition called Teen Spirit, and decides to audition. With the help of a former opera singer named Vlad (Zlatko Buric) who becomes her mentor and driver, Violet makes her way through the varied stages of the competition. Her small-town roots make her stand out as an underdog, and her bubbly personality and impressive voice quickly gain her a following among the judges and viewers. Throughout the film, Violet struggles with the expectations of her overbearing mother (Agnieszka Grochowska) who wants her to prioritize academic achievements over her singing passion, and with her own insecurities and self-doubt. She also navigates the celebrity world, with its superficiality and harsh criticism, while trying to remain true to herself and her values. The movie's soundtrack is a key component of the story, featuring pop hits from different eras and genres, as well as a few original songs performed by Elle Fanning. The songs are seamlessly integrated into the plot, with Violet's performances often serving as pivotal moments in the narrative. The cinematography of Teen Spirit is vibrant and full of energy, capturing the glamour and excitement of the singing competition as well as the bleakness of the townscape where Violet comes from. The movie's pacing is brisk, with a series of memorable scenes that balance between moments of triumph and moments of setback, building up to a thrilling finale. Overall, Teen Spirit is a coming-of-age story that highlights the transformative power of music and the importance of chasing one's dreams. With a strong cast and a catchy soundtrack, it is a feel-good movie that manages to be both entertaining and emotionally resonant.