Dìdi (2024)

 

Source: IMDB

As I grow up, it becomes quite apparent that I will go through many changes over the years. To be honest, it’s refreshing to see other perspectives on how different people handle their livelihoods. Didi seems like an ordinary coming-of-age story on the surface but is elevated by flashy imagery, a good representation of the 2000s period, and a sense of awkward aimlessness that makes itself more personal and relatable. 

While appearing simplistic, the casting is genuinely emotional. It’s hormonal, angsty, and dramatic. Izaac Wang plays Chris, the lead, and he does an excellent job of embodying every timid victory and careless fallacy made by this soft-spoken teenager. Most of the events in this are outrageously insane, so it becomes easy to understand that this was influenced by the director’s personal experiences, as such the frenetic energy is only enhanced by the realism of the cast.

Additionally, the unique late-2000s (2008) time period makes it appear contemporary while providing a rewind back to the era. This makes everything from XP desktops, MySpace, and Facebook profiles with tons of info, basic chatbots that only exist to lighten your mood, seem familiar yet oddly foreign to those like me. It all harkens back to a time of improved connection when social media wasn’t spammed to the gills. 

One of my biggest problems with Didi is the inconsistent tone and slice-of-life nature that comes with the challenges of a teenage boy. Events rarely have actual repercussions except for personal growth, and while it is the best approach for a project like this, there is a clear lack of payoff due to life’s constantly changing wavelengths. It doesn’t help that it ends in an odd place that doesn’t suggest anything about the protagonist's future. While uncinematic and of the norm, it can't be denied that this film has a passionate narrative. 

Overall, Didi, while far from perfect, is the most honest and realistic coming-of-age story I’ve seen in quite some time, despite it stumbling at points. 

My Rating: 6.5/10 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿

Now playing in theaters

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