The Way Way Back

Released: 2013

Directed By: Nat Faxon, Jim Rash

Starring: Sam Rockwell, Steve Carell

Certificate: 12A

Review

Nat Faxon and Jim Rash sure do love being immersed in sun-kissed surroundings. After earning plaudits through their Oscar-nominated script for Alexander Payne’s (Sideways) Hawaiian-set ‘The Descendants’, the duo fittingly ‘come of age’ here as they take their respective directorial hot seats for the first time, in this wonderfully observed ‘dramedy’ spiked with adolescent angst and a clear discontent for tacky family holidays/vacations.

Right from the outset, Fourteen-year-old Duncan (Liam James) is an introverted soul suffering from an inferiority complex. If he were prompted to rate himself out of ten, he would reluctantly say a six. Not an opinion shared with his regimented, overbearing stepfather Trent played by Steve Carell, with his authoritative nature hampering the already limited confidence of our young protagonist, whose preference is to be reunited with his beloved dad for the summer.

Eager to overcome a bitter divorce, Duncan’s sensitive mother Pam (Toni Collette) and her new partner indulge in the comforts of a New England beach-house, complete with an uproarious drink-fuelled neighbour Betty (Allison Janney) and her ‘spiky’ blonde daughter Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb). Resigned to the notion that Susanna could never appreciate him and his fate for the coming months, Duncan tears away to the fun-filled escapades of Water Wizz, home of young-at heart motor mouth Owen (Sam Rockwell). Randomly bonding over Pac-Man, they form an unlikely bond as Duncan establishes himself as part of the Fizz’s workforce and begins to unearth a true sense of himself.

Faxon/Rash’s directorial debut is as much about its eclectic adult ensemble clinging onto the enthusiasm of their youth and the deep regret of not following their ambitions, as it is about encouraging Duncan to tread his own path and freeing himself from the ‘clutches’ of his own insecurities. In a year packed with ‘coming of age’ offerings, the film’s premise at first glance may lack sheer originality, yet surprisingly avoids the clichés with the aid of stellar performances and a giddy sense of spontaneity and charm that is near irresistible.

Dialling down the direction to understated as the film ably captures the awkward situations its audience will inevitably resonate with, the growth of Liam James’ Duncan from teenage social recluse to assured young adult is a delight to witness unfold. Subverting audience expectations, Steve Carell is deeply unpleasant yet riveting as try-less father figure Trent whilst Toni Collette is as reliable as ever as Duncan’s mother Pam. Juxtaposing brilliantly with the more measured performances, Allison Janney and Sam Rockwell are allowed to run riot in their memorable roles, bringing the ‘funny’ and charisma in abundance.

Possessing a richness that is wholly satisfying, a soundtrack that is anthemic and an innocence that is utterly endearing, ‘The Way, Way Back’ is an outstandingly poignant examination of ‘one’ finding their place in the world, that will overwhelm you with its hearty intentions.

ed By: Darryl Griffiths