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S--thouse
By Marina Gordon,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Talky romantic drama is a college kegger with heart.
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S--thouse
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What's the Story?
In writer-director-actor Cooper Raiff's first feature film, S--THOUSE, Alex (Raiff) is a lonely freshman at a Los Angeles college who hasn't yet had his fabled college experience. He's made no friends, his roommate (Logan Miller) is a selfish ass, and he hasn't even met his dorm R.A., Maggie (Dylan Gelula), six months into the school year. After a chance encounter with Maggie, a party at the eponymous S--thouse, and a meandering, debauched weekend, Alex starts to build a foundation for his life at school. He also realizes that he needs to put some space between him and his mother (Amy Landecker) and sister (Olivia Welch) back in Texas; staying in touch as though he still lived at home was keeping him too emotionally tethered to them.
Is It Any Good?
This SXSW Grand Jury Prize winner for Best Narrative is a realistic, often wrenching glimpse at both the mundane and momentous parts of college life. For a time that's considered life-altering, the college years are often depicted simplistically in movies -- either as endless frat parties (Animal House) or as unlikely launchpads (Legally Blonde). S--thouse's slow pace takes viewers on the familiar journey of discovering someone's layers through lots of time and lots of talk. Yes, Alex and Melissa drink and have sex, but primarily they talk -- about his loneliness, their families, and death.
S--thouse feels like a Duplass brothers movie, which is no accident: Raiff cajoled Jay Duplass (who's made many acclaimed talky movies with his brother, Mark) to advise on the film's production. The result is a directorial debut that shows the often aching loneliness and pull of home that can slap a first-year student awake from the dream of college life as it's depicted in movies, brochures, and hazy memories. Though the resolution of Alex's issues may feel too pat (pulling yourself out from a depression isn't often accomplished in a weekend), the relationships ring recognizable and true.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how S--thouse depicts romantic/sexual relationships. Are its insights fresh and new? What's the overarching message?
Talk about the drinking and drug use in the movie. Are there realistic consequences? Why does that matter?
What kinds of expectations about college life and independence do movies about leaving home for the first time tend to set? How does this one compare?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 16, 2020
- On DVD or streaming: October 16, 2020
- Cast: Cooper Raiff , Dylan Gelula , Amy Landecker
- Director: Cooper Raiff
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: IFC
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters
- Run time: 101 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language throughout, sexual content and drug/alcohol use
- Last updated: October 8, 2022
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