In 2011, a coming-of-age comedy drama film smashed records by achieving the highest grossing opening weekend for an independent British film in history. This film was The Inbetweeners Movie, it proved to be a phenomenon and director Ben Palmer successfully made the difficult transition from television to big-screen with ease. On a first glance, the film is filled with gags and jokes but when examined properly, the veiled, poignant themes in the narrative bubble to the surface.
I’ve now watched The Inbetweeners Movie seventeen times (on one occasion twice in one day) and only through repeated viewings can one begin to appreciate the emotional complexity of the narrative. One theme that becomes apparent is a palpable sense of existentialism and attempted growth. Four boys, on the cusp of adulthood are taking their first trip abroad without adult supervision- a daunting prospect. At one point in the film, the boys are discussing their futures after an alcohol-fuelled night and Jay reveals his plans- “I was going to use my Grandad’s money to set us up in business. Selling car stereos to premier league footballers. Neil was gonna work in depot, but me, you and Rio Ferdinand are sales, you know? Having a laugh and that”. This practically unachievable plan expresses Jay’s lack of clarity in his life’s trajectory and to his dismay Simon has already planned to attend University. Jay’s refusal to attend University can also be interpreted as a topical, social commentary on how many current 18-year-olds are choosing not to attend higher education institutions due to ludicrous fees. The probability of a split in the group serves as a powerful example of how friendships, and indeed all of life’s plans are delicate and uncertain.
A later scene in the film depicts Will sitting by the swimming pool in deep thought, reflecting on the obstacles and affairs that have plagued all the boys during the holiday. This melancholic, existentialist opening to the scene is a clear homage to the character of Benjamin Braddock in The Graduate (1963). Neil then joins the scene in an attempt to comfort Will, his words are both comforting and insightful as he delves into contemporary issues such as atheism- “I stopped believing in God when I realised it was just Dog backwards”.
The four main characters in the narrative are so vivid and unique that they really are a delight to watch. For example, Jay (James Buckely) often weaves, complex and scarcely conceivable lies to compensate for his own lack of self-esteem. Something I’m sure we can all relate to. Whilst Neil’s story shows him struggling to remain faithful to his girlfriend back home, exposing the fragility that is often apparent in youthful relationships.
The boys issues with finances, with the opposite sex, with their bodily functions and with their attempts to fit into social circles manifest struggles that all of us experience on the path to maturity and throughout our entire lives… Truly The Inbetweeners Movie is a piece of relatable cinema that will withstand the test of time and remain forever relevant and inspiring.
Ford Maddox Brown
Cryptic Cinema 