High school years are an awkward time, especially when it comes to romance. Everyone’s in puberty, and even though no one has any clue what they’re doing, there are high expectations and even higher emotional investment. But, truthfully, most teen movies lean back from all of that for a more contrived take on adolescence. Characters in these films are typically way too mature, the comedy’s puerile, and the plot’s romance straight and vanilla.
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So here comes “Crush,” a new Hulu original film that looks to freshen up a tired genre with a multicultural cast, a lesbian romance at its center, and maybe a little dignity. “Girl Meets World” and “Snowpiercer” actress Rowan Blanchard stars as an art student who pursues her crush after she has to join her high school’s track team, only to realize her heart wants someone else entirely.
Here’s the film’s official synopsis:
When an aspiring young artist is forced to join her high school track team, she uses it as an opportunity to pursue the girl she’s been harboring a long-time crush on. But she soon finds herself falling for an unexpected teammate and discovers what real love feels like.
“Crush” also stars Avli’i Cravalho, Isabella Ferreira, Tyler Alvarez, Teala Dunn, Rico Paris, and Addie Weyrich. Aasif Mandvi, Michelle Buteau, and Megan Mullally round out the main cast.
In her directorial debut, Sammi Cohen directs a script by Kirsten King and Casey Rackham. Cohen’s no stranger to comedies: she got her start directing for various online TV series on YouTube and CollegeHumor.
Does “Crush” have enough diversity to shake up the tired teen romance concept? Hulu’s already done so with last year’s “Plan B” and the upcoming “Sex Appeal,” so it’s possible. Find out when the film premieres on April 29, exclusively on Hulu. Watch the trailer below.