As we
live in the generation, where mobile phone games are extremely popular, tv
shows and movies being streamed are at high rise, and people are doing crazy
shit on the internet to gain fame, it makes it a very interesting time to be
alive. With how fast evolves and how differently it impacts each generation,
it’s insane to see how far things go. When it comes to movies that are made for
a specific generation at the time of its release, some end up being a product
of their times, and one film that definitely feels like that is “Nerve.”
Based
on the Jeanne Ryan novel of the same name, “Nerve” is about a upcoming high
school graduate, named Vee, who hasn’t really done much in terms of an exciting
life, compared to her friend Sydney, who is currently a player in the game of
Nerve, which is kind of an extreme truth or dare competition, only without the
truth option. When Vee decides to take a chance and play Nerve, she ends up
being roped into some extreme circumstances that she can’t back out of, unless she
wins.
With
what I was seeing from the trailers, I didn’t think it was going to be much. It
especially didn’t help it was being directed by the directors of “Paranormal
Activity 3 & 4.” However, with the screenplay being written by Jessica
Sharzer, who has worked on “American Horror Story,” I decided to give this a
fair shot. And I’m really glad I made that decision.
“Nerve” is not only a
damn good time, it’s easily one of my favorite films of the year. The different
kinds of dares that these characters go through are absolutely insane, ranging
from stuff like kissing a stranger for a few seconds, to something absurd like
drive up to 60 mph while blindfolded. It’s an exciting thrill ride that has so
much tension throughout its runtime, but it also keeps an insanely fun attitude
with it, which is what I feel is the film’s strongest aspect. It’s a fun film
to watch, and definitely one of the best times I’ve ever had at a movie,
especially compared to some of the big disappointments I’ve had this summer.
Emma Roberts as Vee
delivered a lot of energy in this role. She goes from a character that would
normally be associated as the pretty girl next door, but with the right push
and determination to prove otherwise, the boldness peaks out and shows no sign
of retracting back. Dave Franco plays Ian, a former Nerve finalist with a
personal agenda and fierce determination of his own. Throughout the film, you
get the feeling like he’s constantly hiding something and you’re not sure if
that secret is for the better or for the worse. Since a major focus of the film
is Roberts and Franco competing together, you really grow to like them as a
duo, much like the players of Nerve who send them dares do. Their chemistry,
their energy, the quips they share, it’s all really enjoyable to sit through. While
it does seem weird that they would be that close after one night, but
considering the game gathers every bit of information about them (and I do
mean, EVERYTHING), I can kind of let that go.
Colson
“Machine Gun Kelly” Baker plays Ty, a friend and Nerve rival of Ian’s. At first,
you feel like the guy ends up being an antagonist, which he kind of is being
involved with the game, but there is much more to his motivations, similar to
Ian. Emily Meade as Sydney was very enjoyable to watch too. I like how she is
our introduction to Nerve in this world, going from a simple conversation about
it, to showing us a set example of what crazy shit to expect players to do. It’s
also an interesting dynamic between her and Vee, when Vee becomes the hot shot
and overshadows her, which does come to play in the film later on. Other cast
members like Juliette Lewis as Vee’s mom, Miles Heizer, Kimiko Glenn, Samira
Wiley, and Marc John Jefferies were very enjoyable to watch as well. We even
get an appearance from Casey Neistat of "The Neistat Brothers," so that was pretty cool.
Another aspect I love
about the film is its themes, where the watchers of Nerve that end up sending
dares to people that are the real villains. Because of how far things go with
this game and how dares are taken to too far extremes that satisfy them, it’s a
unique reflection of our society today, especially in a generation where we
tell people online to do something crazy or insane, and where millions of
people are obsessed with games like “Pokemon GO.” Sure, it may have gotten a
bit over-the-top during the climax, but considering it still kept the tension
going throughout, it’s damn impressive.
Overall, I highly
recommend “Nerve.” If you’re looking for a fun summer film to sit back and
enjoy in the now, go and check it out. The cast is energetic, the direction is
thrilling, the premise is very relatable, and an all-around fun time. Check
this film out while you can, and enjoy the ride!
Rating: 10/10
