Freshman Year

A teenager from Texas leaves his Mum and sister to start college in California.

The protagonist experiences the worst of times as a homesick college freshman in this production which is as beguiling as it is simple. "Freshman Year" is likely to hold the most appeal for young adult audiences who might see themselves reflected in one or another of the stereotypical characters finding their way in the world. Emotional expression is perhaps the most interesting aspect of the plot. There's something charming but unworldly about the students who wear their hearts on their sleeves, being disarmingly open about their anxieties and depression. Touchy feelings.

MIFF 2021
101 mins