Watch Seven Minutes in Heaven

Seven Minutes in Heaven is a 1986 coming-of-age film that depicts the story of two teenagers, Natalie Becker (Jennifer Connelly) and Jeff Moran (Byron Thames), who embark on a journey to understand themselves and each other. The film takes its name from the popular high school kissing game, where two people are locked inside a closet for seven minutes and must kiss each other.

Natalie is a smart girl with a unique personality, who dreams of becoming a journalist. However, she is constantly bullied at school for her quirky behavior and her single mother struggling to make ends meet. Jeff, on the other hand, is a popular jock who seems to have everything going for him. He is the captain of the hockey team and gets good grades. However, he is struggling with the pressure of living up to everyone's expectations, including his famous father.

The two teenagers find themselves locked inside a closet during a game of Seven Minutes in Heaven at a party. What starts out as an awkward encounter between the two quickly turns into a deep conversation regarding their hopes, fears, and dreams as they get to know each other on a personal level. As Jeff and Natalie open up to each other about their insecurities, they begin to form a bond that will change their lives forever.

Throughout the movie, we witness Jeff and Natalie navigate their way through the treacherous waters of high school, confronting bullies, academic pressures, and family problems. They lean on each other for support and find solace in their unlikely friendship. The film accurately portrays the struggles and challenges of growing up and coming of age. It effectively captures the sense of confusion and self-doubt that teenagers often experience as they try to understand themselves and their place in the world.

One of the central themes of the movie is the importance of self-discovery. Jeff and Natalie have to come to grips with who they are as individuals before they can embrace each other and truly connect. Through this process, they learn to accept themselves for who they are, and in turn, learn to accept and appreciate the differences in others.

The movie features brilliant performances by the lead actors. Jennifer Connelly delivers a nuanced portrayal of a complex character dealing with numerous personal issues, while Byron Thames brings sincerity and vulnerability to his role as the conflicted athlete. Maddie Corman's portrayal of Mandy, Natalie’s friend, adds an essential element of humor and lightness to the story.

The film’s screenplay, written by Linda Feferman and Gary Rosen, is witty, realistic, and heartfelt, perfectly capturing the nuances of teenage life. The director, Linda Feferman, does an excellent job of creating a relatable and immersive world that will resonate with audiences, both young and old.

The film’s soundtrack, featuring popular songs of the era, perfectly complements the emotional tone and adds depth to the story. The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, with beautifully crafted scenes that effectively capture the mood and emotions of the characters.

Seven Minutes in Heaven is a heartwarming, thought-provoking, and entertaining film that celebrates the beauty of friendship and self-discovery. It has stood the test of time and continues to be a classic coming of age movie, loved by audiences worldwide. The film’s message of acceptance and self-discovery remains just as relevant today as it did when it was first released in 1986.

Seven Minutes in Heaven is a 2008 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.