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The coming-of-age movie is a genre that audiences should be very familiar with; and when it comes to coming-of-age films set during college, Hollywood has given audiences no shortage of options to choose from. Whether it's raunchy comedies like Animal House or Oscar-winning dramas like Good Will Hunting, the pursuit of a higher education has always proven to be fertile ground for telling stories about the journey into adulthood. But with Poetic License, first-time director Maude Apatow is flipping the script, casting her real-life mother, Leslie Mann, in this tale about one woman's quest to expand her horizons, and the hilarious but relatable misadventures that ensue. Liz Cassidy (Mann) is a wife and mother whose life is going through something of an upheaval. Her husband, James (Method Man), has just been named the new Head of Economics at Braddock University, and their daughter, Nora (Nico Parker), is on the verge of graduating high school and leaving home for college. Suddenly left to her own devices while her family seemingly moves on without her, Liz decides to try pursuing one of her passions by auditing a poetry class at Braddock. During her first time back on campus in decades, however, she attracts the attention of college seniors Ari (Cooper Hoffman) and Sam (Andrew Barth Feldman); and before long, this unlikely trio are doing mushrooms together at Ari's apartment. Best friends who've been virtually inseparable since freshman year, Ari and Sam have never clashed about anything before. Yet, now that Liz has entered their small social sphere, they suddenly find themselves competing for her affections. It's an awkward situation that raises eyebrows, especially from Liz's daughter and Sam's girlfriend (Maisy Stella). But although Ari and Sam's feelings for Liz are well-intentioned, is she even remotely interested in reciprocating? Smartly written and brilliantly acted, the result is as charming and witty as movies get. Yet, while it may be too soon to call this a master class in filmmaking — given that it marks Apatow's first time in the director's chair — it's definite proof that the actress-turned-director has what it takes to be a force to be reckoned with behind the camera. Factor in the terrific chemistry between Mann, Hoffman and Feldman, and it makes for a triple threat that's sure to earn Poetic License high marks from moviegoers. Just don't expect a typical coming-of-age comedy. Because while the genre has been done to death, this one feels distinctly fresh. |
Poetic License screens under the Special Presentations programme at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. Its runtime is 1 hr. 57 min.
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