☛ Cette critique est aussi disponible en français [➦].
Translated by Gabrielle Baillargeon-Michaud.
The film MOXIE! starts off by ticking all the boxes of a typical Hollywood teen comedy: the start of the school year, a touch of sass, a loving yet overbearing mother, cliques of cool kids, a handsome yet unbearable football team captain, and a nerdy best friend. However, after about ten minutes filled with cinematic clichés, the film, directed by Amy Poehler, takes a much more intriguing turn: a new student alerts the high school principal to the star quarterback's harassment and is met with a formidable wall of denial and indifference. This initial challenge, addressed humorously, sets the tone for the various scenes that follow.
Meanwhile, the main character, Vivian Carter, digs into her mother’s past in search of inspiration for an essay and uncovers her mother’s revolutionary feminist side. Inspired by her findings, she creates the fanzine MOXIE!, which she anonymously leaves in the bathrooms of her high school. On the very same day, her zine spreads like wildfire, and Vivian realizes that her disdain for patriarchal norms is not only shared by her mother but by many of her classmates as well.
Based on the novel Moxie by American author Jennifer Mathieu, Amy Poehler's film introduces a cast of progressive characters, among whom Seth, a young skater, stands out. Portrayed as universally kind, Seth quickly demonstrates and voices his support for the feminist movement driven by his peers. Seth is so compelling that it's hard not to empathize with the protagonists who are moved by each of his respectful interactions. It's refreshing to see such a positive male role model who promotes listening, kindness, and support for the women in his life.
In summary, Amy Poehler’s MOXIE! isn't groundbreaking, but it does offer a refreshing comedy that, hopefully, will help establish new norms in mainstream cinema.
Reference
Director/creator: Amy Poelher
Title: MOXIE!
Date of publication: March 3rd, 2021This movie is available on Netflix.