17 and Life Doesn’t Wait 2019
Distributed by Good Docs
Produced by Maureen Judge
Directed by Maureen Judge
Streaming, 80 mins
High School - General Adult
Adolescent; Education
Date Entered: 11/11/2020
Reviewed by Stephanie A. Diaz, Reference and Instruction Librarian, Penn State - Behrend17 and Life Doesn’t Wait weaves together the experiences of three 17-year-old girls as they complete high school and consider their next steps. Each girl’s background, academic interests, and personalities are unique. One focuses on getting into an Ivy League school; another is focused on using her basketball career to support her college education; and the third finds success transitioning to an alternative high school to study art.
Academically, all three girls are successful, which might prove motivational for high school audiences. The film highlights several emotional struggles the subjects overcome including dysfunctional families, sexual assault, gender inequality, gun violence, and suicide. However, these topics are not explored in-depth. While it might have been intentional, the end of the film is missing a complete conclusion, rushing through prom, graduation, and starting college (or something else). Despite the fact that the music and production value make the film auditorily and visually appealing, the filmmakers do not create compelling story arcs. Viewers might be left wondering, “What's next?” Educators considering this film should note that drug paraphernalia are depicted throughout.