The Spectacular Now earned its critical acclaim by doing something rare: it tells a teen love story where love doesn't fix the broken boy. Sutter Keely is charming, funny, and an alcoholic. The film never looks away from that fact, even when it's uncomfortable.

This isn't entertainment in the popcorn sense—it's a slow-burn character study that will leave you feeling heavy. But for mature 16-17 year olds (especially those considering college or navigating their own complicated relationships), it's valuable precisely because it's honest. It shows how easy it is to mistake charisma for health, and how loving someone doesn't mean you can save them.

The R rating is earned: there's drinking in nearly every scene, a sex scene, strong language, and an emotionally brutal third act. This needs to be a deliberate choice, ideally watched with a parent or discussed afterward. It's the kind of film that could either be deeply meaningful or deeply upsetting depending on where your teen is emotionally.

Bottom line: critically excellent, emotionally difficult, absolutely not for younger teens. If your 16-year-old is ready for honest conversations about alcohol and relationships, this is worth watching together. If they're not there yet, save it for later.