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Spontaneous DVD Review

“Spontaneous” offers up mixed results.

Based on the novel by Aaron Starmer, “Spontaneous” opens with a High School Senior student (Caitlin) who spontaneously combusts (or explodes if you will) during class one day. The story turns its attention to 2 High School Seniors- the sarcastic Mara and the nerdy Dylan. Not knowing if this is an isolated incident or if it could happen again, Dylan decides to tell Mara he has a crush on her and the two soon become an item amidst a very uncertain future.

After a buzzworthy trailer, “Spontaneous” was quietly released on VOD and now home video (DVD only). For those that may not know about this Brian Duffield written and directed low-budget 2020 film, it can best be described as a bloody (very bloody) romantic teen horror comedy with a great deal of quirk (ala the fourth wall breaking). Tonally, the movie is rather unique as it attempts to balance horror, drama, romance and comedy, but does it pull off? Yes and no. On one hand, “Spontaneous” works as a provoking comedy about mortality, living life to the fullest, fear, grief, loss, and the world not making sense. On the other hand, it’s a bit too cutesy, clunky, and meandering for its own good. Also, if you’re the type of person who needs answers as to what is going on with the students exploding, this movie certainly isn’t for you. To quote Mara near the end, “It was super anti-climactic.”

Where “Spontaneous” shines the most is with the two leads in Katherine Langford and Charlie Plummer who carry the film on their backs. Langford could have easily been typecast here in a “13 Reasons Why” esque role, but her performance and role differs greatly. The young actress shows a great deal of depth and proves to be a talent to look out for for years to come. Rising star Charlie Plummer also charms as Dylan who puts himself out there and tries to live whatever life he has left.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: Widescreen. How does it look? An all-around quality standard def release.

Audio Track: Dolby Digital 5.1. How does it sound? In a word, satisfactory.

The lone extra is a Digital copy.

November 29, 2020 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | Charlie Plummer, Katherine Langford, romantic comedy, Spontaneous DVD Review, Teen Movie