Watch The Kids Table

The movie The Kids Table is a heartwarming coming of age story that is sure to evoke all sorts of emotions from its viewers. The story is centered around a 25-year-old man named Gabriel (played by Edd Benda) who struggles with growing up and accepting his responsibilities as an adult. Gabriel has a close-knit circle of friends, who he has known since childhood; collectively, they're known as the "Kids Table," who get together every year during holidays and family gatherings.

Gabriel's reluctance to grow up is further compounded by his strained relationship with his father, who he feels has never fully understood him. Gabriel despises family gatherings and dreads the idea of having to sit at the 'adults' table to discuss adult topics. Instead, he finds solace in sitting at the 'kids' table with his childhood friends, where he can be himself, reminisce about old times and indulge in silly games.

The story starts picking pace when Gabriel's cousin announces that she's getting married, and he's asked to be the best man. Gabriel is thrown into a panic and almost backs out of the role, but his cousin refuses to take 'no' for an answer. Gabriel knows that his best friends are counting on him to represent their group at the wedding, but he struggles with the idea of growing up and taking on the responsibility of the role.

The Kids Table has a compelling narrative that authentically captures the essence of transitioning from a carefree childhood to adulthood. It does so in a way that is relatable and easily digestible for the audience, without becoming trite or preachy. All the actors deliver commendable performances and bring a level of authenticity to their roles.

Stefanie Woodburn plays the character of Kate, Gabriel's childhood crush, who's now dating his best friend, Pete. Kate provides a potential for romantic interest, but the film doesn't overplay this angle, allowing the narrative to focus on Gabriel's journey toward adulthood. The film's ability to remain loyal to its intended message is noteworthy, and its refusal to rely on cliches or simple solutions is refreshing.

Furthermore, the film does an excellent job of leveraging humor to keep the story balanced, resulting in some genuinely hilarious moments. The humor isn't forced, nor does it sacrifice the story's pace or arc. Instead, it enhances characters' personalities, making the audience bond with them, and allowing them to be relatable.

Another aspect of the story that stands out is its use of visuals, which are breathtaking, given the film's relatively low budget. The Kids Table uses inventive, playful shot framing, and locations such as Gabriel's home, his father's house, and the wedding location, all add to the story's richness.

The Kids Table is a film that speaks of growing up, nostalgia, and the difficulties one faces navigating between adult life and the simpler times of youth. It sheds light on the challenges of growing up and taking responsibility, shows how memories of our childhood can shape the people we become, and the importance of embracing change.

In conclusion, The Kids Table is a must-watch coming of age film that manages to stay authentic and true to its intended message. It's a film that will make you laugh, feel emotional, and provide a nostalgic perspective on growing up that many audiences can relate to.

The Kids Table is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes.