Nerve

            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