Teenage

**In a world that often forgets its past, “Teenage” (2013) magically unearths the very essence of youth and what it means to be a teenager. Directed by the talented Matt Wolf, this documentary takes us on an enlightening journey through the evolution of the teenage identity—an identity that, surprisingly, didn’t exist until the 20th century. What’s fascinating is that the term “teenager” only really captured attention in the 1950s, yet Wolf’s film argues that the seeds of this societal shift were planted long before then.

The film pulls back the curtain on various decades, revealing how the concept of adolescence shifted dramatically through cultural, social, and economic lenses. It’s a captivating mix of footages from the past, narration from voices you’ll recognize—like Ben Whishaw and Jena Malone—and a sprinkle of insight that’ll honestly make you rethink how you view your own teenage years…

Imagine flipping through a scrapbook filled with the highs and lows of youth—the joy, the confusion, the rebellion, and the unexpected weight of growing up too fast. “Teenage” merges history with personal stories, tracing the arc of youths who have both influenced and been influenced by a rapidly changing world. Ben Rosenfield and Jessie T. Usher help paint a broader picture, showcasing that what it means to be young is a universal experience, yet shaped by unique times and places.

For a film with just 80 minutes of runtime, it’s astonishing how much ground it covers. You’ll find yourself immersed in the raw and often chaotic journey of adolescence, from the post-war era to the rise of youth culture… Talk about a total masterpiece that resonates even today!

With a moderate rating of 6.5, “Teenage” isn’t here to sugarcoat anything; it’s messy, it’s heartfelt, and it hits you right in the feels. The historical anecdotes and personal testimonies will leave you nodding in understanding or reflecting on your own teenage trials…

So, whether you’re looking to reminisce or simply understand the layers behind the teenage experience, this documentary is definitely worth your time on MGM Plus. Trust me, you’ll walk away feeling a bit more enlightened about a stage of life that we all—at some point—faced…