If you take a look around town or even in your own neighborhood, you will noticefewer children are playingin the streets and running around with their friends. This is not a new observation; many have commented about how most children nowadays can be found inside in front of a screen rather than getting into harmless trouble before the sun goes down. These kids have been raised to distrust the world we live in, and honestly, can you blame them? With footage and information of horrible incidents at just about everyone’s fingertips, there is more for kids these days to worry about than embarrassing themselves in front of their crush or getting shoved in the hallway.
Writers and directors who thrive on producing material for young adults and teenagers have been forced to recognize this shift in their world. In doing so, TV series and movies that are rooted inthe coming-of-age genreare no longer lighthearted and filled with innocence. They touch on some of the harsher realities the younger generation is experiencing today that many parents would have never thought to discuss with their children 20 years ago. Times are changing within our world, and it is important that coming-of-age movies and series reflect that.
Why Is the Coming-of-Age Genre Important?
There are more times than anyone can count when teenagers feel like they are completely alone in the world. Even with different social media accounts, several contacts in their phones, and a classroom full of peers, there are still too many individuals who believe they have no one to turn to when it comes to some of the bigger conversations. This is where coming-of-age stories come in. These films and series provide a safe place for teens and young adults to witness conflicts and problem-solving solutions. The characters are often relatable, and most importantly, they show what it means to grow as an individual.
Coming of age filmstend to focus on a single protagonist who struggles with their own identity, but after making friends who challenge them or push them out of their comfort zone, they have a better understand of who they are and who they want to be. Series, on the other hand, give a wider range of teenagers and young adults experiencing a multitude of problems. While one character can be wrestling with their abusive parents, their grades, and their failing relationship, another character can be discovering their sexual orientation and their own interests outside the shadow of an older sibling. Regardless of the situation, there is something for everyone to relate to that can help them in their own lives.
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What It Was Like in Previous Movies and Series
Back in the days whenJohn Hughes was the kingof comedy and lighthearted sitcoms were plastered across almost every TV channel, it felt like the coming-of-age genre was inescapable. Teenagers littered the screen as they perfectly portrayed a certain stereotype and adopted exaggerated voices and mannerisms. Problems like bullying and feeling like one doesn’t belong were among the top conflicts in many major storylines.
The common aspect of these films and shows is that conflicts were often resolved by the time the credits were rolling. The misfits that made up “The Breakfast Club” walked away content with one another. Mitch Kramer made it home after experiencing the best night of his life inDazed and Confused. Kat Stratford found love after years of wanting to kill most guys she met in10 Things I Hate About You. These are just three examples of hundreds that depict teenage life as a bit more manageable before the turn of the millennium. This is not to say that horrible things did not happen in older coming-of-age stories, but the entire storyline did not rely on harsher content as many do today.
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Major Coming-of-Age Storylines and Themes Today
Coming-of-age movies and series today do not hold back when it comes to conflicts and storylines. With topics like abuse, suicide,post-traumatic stress disorder, and even rape unfortunately playing a part in teenagers' everyday lives, it makes sense why writers are including these things in their scripts. Characters are openly having conversations with one another about consent, sexuality, and drugs; while on the surface, a parent may question why such heavy topics are openly discussed, each issue serves a larger purpose.
Series likeAtypical,Sex Education,13 Reasons Why, andEuphoriaare drawing attention to concepts teenagers and young adults naturally feel uneasy talking about. Sex is a given as far as awkward conversations go. Many addicts don’t want others to know that they need to constantly escape their own reality. And when it comes to losing a friend or classmate to suicide, teens don’t realize at the moment how much they need to talk to someone to better cope and understand their own feelings. The coming-of-age genre is not getting darker withits themes and storylines. It is simply evolving with the times to better serve its target audience.
