Watch Only The Young

Only The Young is a captivating documentary that premiered in 2012, directed by Jason Tippet and Elizabeth Mims, that follows the lives of three teenagers - Garrison Saenz, Kevin Conway, and Skye Elmore - living in a suburban Californian town of Santa Clarita. Garrison and Kevin are best friends and Skye is the girl who comes between them. They are all skateboard enthusiasts, but what sets them apart from their peers is their relationship and the depth of their personalities. Each one of them has experienced life-altering situations that have helped shape their worldview.

Garrison is a lanky, good-humored boy who is not afraid to express himself. He is a devoted Christian and volunteers at his local church. Kevin, on the other hand, is more introverted and reserved. He has a tough exterior but is a sensitive soul. Skye is the only girl in the group, and she is dealing with complicated family dynamics.

The movie begins by introducing these three teenagers and their friendship. The directors create an intimate atmosphere that invites the audience to care about these kids and their journey. The cinematography is beautiful and captures the vibrant energy of youth, as well as the nostalgic moments that come with growing up.

One of the main themes of the film is the teenagers' exploration of their place in the world, both as individuals and as a collective. They spend countless hours together, skateboarding through empty pools, hanging out in parks, and exploring abandoned buildings. Through their interactions, we see glimpses of their dreams and ambitions, as well as their fears and insecurities.

Garrison, Kevin, and Skye may seem like typical American teenagers, but their lives are not without difficulty. In the movie, we see how their families are struggling with financial hardship, health issues, and marital problems. Despite these challenges, the teenagers support each other unconditionally, forming a tight-knit bond that is rare in today's society.

The directors use the teenagers' perspective to explore themes of love, friendship, and growing up. We see how they navigate relationships and their changing roles in each other's lives. The movie also explores the idea of faith and religion, as Garrison's Christianity is juxtaposed against the secular attitudes of his friends.

As the movie progresses, the teenagers face new challenges and responsibilities, and their friendships are put to the test. As they approach graduation, they must confront the reality of leaving their hometown and starting a new chapter in their lives. The directors do an excellent job of capturing the mixture of excitement, apprehension, and nostalgia that accompanies this transition.

Only The Young is a thought-provoking documentary that offers a different perspective on modern-day youth culture. Unlike other depictions of teenage life, the movie avoids the usual clichés and stereotypes, and instead, offers a candid and nuanced portrayal of three young people coming of age in difficult times.

The movie's soundtrack is a standout feature, featuring indie rock and folk songs that perfectly capture the film's mood. The directors also make excellent use of slow-motion photography and close-up shots, emphasizing the beauty and fragility of youth.

Overall, Only The Young is a heartwarming and compelling documentary that is a must-see for anyone who loves coming-of-age stories. It is a reminder that even in a world where everything seems to be changing at breakneck speed, the bonds of teenage friendships remain strong and enduring.

Only The Young is a 2012 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 71.