"Spontaneous" was a spontan..... impulsive . . . choice for a movie to watch of a Saturday evening, based on nothing more than the few words that sum up the plot and its availability on the Sky Planner. Ultimately, I came away a bit disappointed, as the second half of the movie doesn't quite live up to the first.
When members of their senior class begin randomly and spontaneously explode Mara (Kathrine Langford) begins a relationship with Dylan (Charlie Plummer) speared on by the understanding that, for seemingly no reason, any moment could be their last. Whilst the government and FBI struggle to provide the class with any answers Mara and Dylan try to make the most of whatever time they might have.
The first half of the movie was, I thought, really good. Langford is charming and Mara is a genuinely funny character. Her friendship with Hayley Law's Tess and relationship with Charlie Plummer's Dylan are nicely played - particularly the partnership with Plummer that seems to include a couple of improvised moments when they stayed in character, which were well done. I rooted for that couple. I don't like that I'm old enough that Piper Perabo is playing mothers with teenage daughters, but I guess there's not much I can do about that.
The second half of the movie isn't as strong though. Though there are clearly spoilery moments I could go into, I don't think it's much of one to say that no reason for the explosions is ever provided. Whilst I don't think that all movies need to be tied up in a nice bow, the lack of explanation rather left the story hanging. There are ruminations on seizing the day and the truth that our lives could end at any moment. There's a connection, however ill fitting given this is a black comedy, to high school shootings too. Ultimately though, after the midpoint it's just not as funny or interesting as it was in the first half.
When members of their senior class begin randomly and spontaneously explode Mara (Kathrine Langford) begins a relationship with Dylan (Charlie Plummer) speared on by the understanding that, for seemingly no reason, any moment could be their last. Whilst the government and FBI struggle to provide the class with any answers Mara and Dylan try to make the most of whatever time they might have.
The first half of the movie was, I thought, really good. Langford is charming and Mara is a genuinely funny character. Her friendship with Hayley Law's Tess and relationship with Charlie Plummer's Dylan are nicely played - particularly the partnership with Plummer that seems to include a couple of improvised moments when they stayed in character, which were well done. I rooted for that couple. I don't like that I'm old enough that Piper Perabo is playing mothers with teenage daughters, but I guess there's not much I can do about that.
The second half of the movie isn't as strong though. Though there are clearly spoilery moments I could go into, I don't think it's much of one to say that no reason for the explosions is ever provided. Whilst I don't think that all movies need to be tied up in a nice bow, the lack of explanation rather left the story hanging. There are ruminations on seizing the day and the truth that our lives could end at any moment. There's a connection, however ill fitting given this is a black comedy, to high school shootings too. Ultimately though, after the midpoint it's just not as funny or interesting as it was in the first half.