Watch How to Talk to Girls at Parties

How to Talk to Girls at Parties is a 2017 science fiction romantic comedy-drama movie based on Neil Gaiman's short story of the same name. John Cameron Mitchell directed the film, with Elle Fanning, Alex Sharp, and Nicole Kidman in the lead roles. Set in Croydon during the summer of 1977, How to Talk to Girls at Parties follows Enn (Alex Sharp), a teenage punk rocker who loves music and wants to rebel against his oppressive family life. Enn's world intersects with an alien race called the "Beautiful People" when he crashes a party with his reckless friends. He meets Zan (Elle Fanning), a curious, rebellious alien who has grown tired of her conformist alien colony. The two develop a close relationship as they navigate their lives with contrasting societies and break the rules to discover what they truly want out of life. In the meantime, the sinister Queen Boadicea (Nicole Kidman) tries to prevent Zan from rebelling against her colony's rules and returning home.

The movie shows a clash of two worlds: punk rock culture and alien culture, with the 1977 Punk movement serving as the backdrop. The film tries to explore themes of cultural barriers, the strength of individuality, and the prejudices of people against differences in a lighthearted and humorous way.

The movie's direction, production design, and cinematography are visually stunning, colorful, and glittery. A lot of the film's energy comes from the punk rock soundtrack and vibrant visuals. The film's depictions of the Beautiful People and their unique culture are imaginative, and the punk rock scene is authentically captured.

The performances of Fanning, Sharp, and Kidman all stand out. Fanning portrays Zan as an independent thinker and a little naive, but willing and determined to discover her own desires. Sharp's performance as Enn is excellent, as he showcases the character's transition from an inexperienced, naive boy to a matured and empathetic individual. Meanwhile, Kidman's portrayal of Queen Boadicea is both humorous and menacing, adding to the overall fun and quirky tone of the movie.

However, the film's plotline may come across as a bit convoluted and confusing in certain parts, and it may not be for everybody's taste. Some audiences may find it difficult to follow, especially those who are not fans of punk rock or science fiction, as the film blends the two genres.

In conclusion, How to Talk to Girls at Parties is an off-beat and unconventional romantic comedy-drama that takes a creative and imaginative approach to exploring themes of cultural barriers and personal growth. The vibrant and colorful visuals and outstanding performances of Fanning, Sharp, and Kidman make the movie a stunning spectacle. Its punk-infused soundtrack and captivating cinematography will entertain audiences who are open to narratives that blend genres seamlessly.

How to Talk to Girls at Parties is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 50.