Not a single moment rings false in “The Myth of the American Sleepover,” the quietly observant, gently insightful feature debut from writer-director David Robert Mitchell.
He takes an overly familiar genre — the all-night teen dramedy — and makes it feel refreshing and new. He also makes it look effortless: By assembling a cast of unknowns, some of whom had never acted before,he creates a warm aura of authenticity. and naturalism. Rather than seeming stiff, these kids simply feel real.
Mitchell is clearly paying homage to “American Graffiti,” both in structure and tone, and has similarly set it in the place of his own youth, suburban Detroit. But “Myth” never lapses into parody. It’s too earnest for that; It has more substantial plans.
At the high school track and the community pool, the grocery store and the dance studio, Mitchell follows several characters as they prepare for and attend a series of parties and sleepovers.
“Myth” takes place in that wistful time when summer’s about to end and a new school year’s about to begin. There’s a hazy energy that lulls you. a leisurely pace to the dialogue.Potentially big moments like a first kiss or the revelation of a hidden crush are handled in the same low-key, intimate way as a secret cigarette or a bike ride down the street.
Incoming freshman Maggie (standout Claire Sloma) is the movie’s sassy, rebellious flirt; her sidekick is the sweet, shy Beth (Annette DeNoyer). Claudia (Amanda Bauer) is the newcomer at school, a sophomore who’s dating a senior.This makes her the target of bad-girl Janelle (Shayla Curran), who’s at once envious and curious.Claudia is one of several girls who are invited to Janelle’s sleepover, where the activities include a game of Ouija and too much cheap, red wine straight out of the bottle.
Rob (Marlon Morton) is on the lookout for a beautiful blond he spotted while shopping with his mom at the supermarket. And Scott (Brett Jacobsen) is home from college and at a crossroads.
You can feel the yearning in every frame — the angst, the need to belong, to be understood and loved. Mitchell’s little movie is pretty much perfect in depicting youthful imperfection. (Christy Lemire, The Associated Press)
