Romantic dramas centered around youthful disillusionment and coming-of-age struggles have been a staple of cinema for decades. The Art of Getting By, directed by Gavin Wiesen, aims to capture this delicate transition from adolescence to adulthood, offering a story of love, self-discovery, and existential angst. While the film succeeds in delivering two charming lead performances from Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts, it falls into the trap of genre clichés, making it feel like yet another familiar tale of teenage ennui.
A Story of Love, Loneliness, and Late Assignments
The film follows George Zinavoy (Freddie Highmore), a high school senior who has perfected the art of avoiding responsibility. Introspective, disillusioned, and plagued by a sense of existential dread, George coasts through his final year, dodging assignments and barely engaging with the world around him. His worldview begins to shift when he meets Sally Howe (Emma Roberts), a free-spirited and outgoing girl who takes an interest in him.
As their friendship deepens, Sally becomes a catalyst for change in George’s life, pushing him to confront his fears, his future, and even his feelings for her. Their relationship is filled with moments of warmth and charm, thanks largely to the chemistry between Highmore and Roberts. However, the film struggles to break new ground, often relying on well-worn tropes of indie romance films rather than forging its own identity.
Freddie Highmore: The Soul of the Film
Freddie Highmore delivers a performance that is both endearing and emotionally nuanced. Having already established himself as a talented child actor in films like Finding Neverland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Art of Getting By marked one of his early forays into more mature roles. He effortlessly embodies George’s detached, intellectual nature while still making him a likable and sympathetic character.
Highmore’s ability to portray quiet introspection makes George’s journey somewhat compelling, even when the script fails to give him truly original material to work with. His awkward yet genuine interactions with Sally feel authentic, allowing the audience to connect with his struggles.
Emma Roberts: A Perfectly Balanced Counterpart
Emma Roberts, known for her work in Nancy Drew and later projects like American Horror Story, brings vibrancy to Sally, making her the perfect contrast to George’s melancholic demeanor. Her character is full of energy, but she isn’t without her own emotional baggage. She, too, is searching for meaning in the chaos of high school life, making her dynamic with George a believable and sometimes touching one.
However, the film doesn’t allow Sally to be much more than a catalyst for George’s growth. Her character’s arc feels underdeveloped compared to George’s, and while Roberts does her best with the material, she isn’t given enough depth to make Sally feel as fully realized as she could be.
Where The Art of Getting By Falls Short
While Highmore and Roberts’ performances elevate the film, The Art of Getting By struggles with originality. It borrows heavily from classic coming-of-age films, but it doesn’t add anything particularly fresh to the genre. The plot is predictable, the themes of youthful disillusionment are well-worn, and the stakes never feel high enough to leave a lasting impact.
The film also leans into an indie aesthetic that feels more like a requirement than a creative choice. Muted color palettes, soft alternative music, and moody cityscapes are used to create an atmosphere of introspection, but they don’t make up for the lack of a truly compelling narrative.
Final Verdict: A Familiar but Watchable Experience
The Art of Getting By is a film that benefits greatly from its two lead actors, but it ultimately falls into the category of “seen it before” indie dramas. It’s a pleasant enough watch, especially for fans of Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts, but it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
For those looking for a charming yet familiar coming-of-age story, The Art of Getting By provides enough warmth and sincerity to make it enjoyable. However, if you’re looking for something groundbreaking within the genre, this film might not be the one to stick with you long after the credits roll.
