Watch Say You Will

Say You Will is a coming-of-age drama that explores the complex and delicate relationships between teenagers and their parents. Written and directed by Nick Naveda, the film premiered at the Newport Beach Film Festival in 2017 and stars Travis Tope, Katherine Hughes, and Israel Broussard. The story revolves around high school seniors Brayden (Tope) and Ashley (Hughes), who have been best friends since childhood. They are both talented musicians with bright futures ahead of them, but their lives are complicated by dysfunctional families and the uncertainty of what comes next after graduation.

Brayden's father, John (played by Blake Jenner), is a successful lawyer who wants his son to follow in his footsteps and attend law school. However, Brayden is more passionate about music and dreams of pursuing a career as a singer-songwriter. He also faces a personal crisis when he learns about a secret his father has been keeping from him.

Ashley's mother, Susan (played by Michelle Forbes), is a controlling and overbearing parent who wants her daughter to go to an Ivy League college and become a doctor. Ashley, however, is more interested in pursuing a career in music and struggles to assert her independence.

The two friends find solace in each other as they navigate the challenges of their final year of high school. Along the way, they must confront their fears, insecurities, and the harsh realities of growing up.

Say You Will is a thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of teenage angst and the difficulties of communication between parents and children. It tackles complex issues such as mental health, parental expectations, and the pursuit of artistic passions in a sensitive and realistic manner.

The film benefits from strong performances by its ensemble cast, particularly Tope and Hughes, who have a natural chemistry as best friends. Tope delivers a nuanced performance as Brayden, who struggles to reconcile his ambitions with his loyalty to his family. Hughes, meanwhile, brings a sense of vulnerability and authenticity to Ashley, whose journey towards self-discovery is both relatable and inspiring.

Broussard, who plays Ashley's love interest, also shines in a supporting role, bringing depth and nuance to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. Forbes, in turn, delivers a chilling performance as Susan, whose controlling behavior masks a deeper pain and insecurity.

Say You Will is also notable for its impressive soundtrack, featuring original songs by the cast and up-and-coming indie musicians. The music helps to enhance the film's emotional resonance and reinforces its themes of artistic expression and self-discovery.

Overall, Say You Will is a poignant and insightful exploration of the complexities of growing up and the importance of finding one's voice. It is a must-watch for anyone who has ever grappled with the challenges of adolescence and the search for identity.

Say You Will is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.