Is Pretty Young Thing Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2022)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2022, Pretty Young Thing represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, Comedy category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into It’s a new school year and at Rosenholm High School there are many initiation rituals that the new first-year students must go through, which are of great importance for their future life in high school, not least for their personal life. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "It’s a new school year and at Rosenholm High School there are many initiation rituals that the new first-year students must go through, which are of great importance for their future life in high school, not least for their personal life. Best friends and freshmen Frida and Selma quickly become friends with another first-year student Nadja. When Frida catches feelings for Nadja’s older boyfriend Emil and is invited to the ritual party for first-year students but Selma is not, their friendship starts to fall apart."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Andrea Heick Gadeberg ensure that the emotional beats of Pretty Young Thing always land with sufficient weight. Andrea Heick Gadeberg provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Tilde Harkamp is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 95 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Pretty Young Thing truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, Comedy, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.9/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Pretty Young Thing explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2022 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Tilde Harkamp respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Pretty Young Thing serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Andrea Heick Gadeberg or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Pretty Young Thing is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.