Nerve follows the story of a high school senior, Vee, getting ready to head off to college. Dared to make her life a bit more exciting, she begins playing a game on her phone called, Nerve. Players complete dares for money and fame while watchers enjoy the show and come up with new challenges. Vee meets the mysterious Ian and the two team up to win the game. The sparks fly as the two embark on an epic journey through New York City, completing dares as they go. We soon discover Ian has a secret and the game may not be just a game.
As a film major, I am not easily wooed by movies, but Nerve had me hooked from the start. Here are the top ten reasons you need to see it.
1. Dave Franco
Though this guy is continually being compared to his older brother, James Franco, Dave deserves to be known by his own impressive body of work. The world first took notice when he appeared in a small role in Superbad and then a short stint on the show Greek. Soon he had larger roles in several movie franchises including 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street, Neighbors 1 and Neighbors 2, and the Now You See Me movies. Dave continues to impress audiences everywhere and prove he is more than just James Franco's little brother.
2. The Message
This film hits a little too close to home as it asks some tough questions. The movie is set a few years ahead in a society similar to ours in every was except for their ability to use technology in more advanced ways. Teens are glued to their phones and hide behind the mask of anonymity. They feel safe enough to do and say anything online and when they get a little too brave, they find their actions do in fact have consequence. As someone who is completely dependent on her phone, I found myself wondering if I was really so different.
3. Machine Gun Kelly
Any fan of the rapper will be overjoyed to find he is part of the film. With his iconic haircut and daredevil demeanor, Kelly adds depth to the story as he shows up unexpectedly again and again. He brings to life a character named Ty who continually antagonizes Franco and Roberts and pushes the limits on how far the players are willing to go. We find out later that there may be more to Ty's story and some deeper reasons he is willing to go so far to win the game.
4. Dave Franco
Franco portrays Ian, a player with a secret. From the moment his character is introduced, he is instantly likable and yet, the audience wonders what he is hiding. As the sparks begin to fly between him and Vee, played by Emma Roberts, we begin rooting for the two of them to win the game and end up together. Maybe it's the fact that he rides a motorcycle or the way in which he begins to protect and help Vee play the game or his brutal honesty when things start to get messy. He is an all around good guy willing to go work and sacrifice for those he cares about.
5. The Music
Getting the score and the scenes of a film to work in perfect harmony is a balance not often achieved. From the very beginning of this movie the audience is drawn in but it is the excellent choice of music that keeps us coming back. Tracks from Krewella, Basenji, and Halsey fit well within the digital feel of the film and bring it to life.
6. Cinematography
The way in which this film is shot is one of the best examples of why it stands out among other summer movies. Tracking shots follow Ian and Vee through the streets of New York, close-ups capture the emotion and fear on several of the characters faces and scenes shot on the characters cell phones adds an element of realness to the film. The slightly grainy feed held at odd angles capture raw unpolished footage that makes it feel as if you are watching from your own phone as the scenes unfold.
7. The Fear
Near the end of the film I sat clutching the hand of my friend sitting next to me while the other hand covered my mouth as I sat in complete terror. I'll say upfront that I am a very jumpy person but the fact that my other friends sat in various states of distress is a testament to how intense this film was. Because of the way it was shot and the excellent performances by the entire cast, I felt the fear and uncertainty that many of the characters displayed. The final scenes are a race against time and I felt like I was along for the ride.
8. The Colors
Each scene in this movie was splashed with the most vivid colors. Neon lights played one of the main roles as they bathed each shot in its own rich color. Because most of the movie takes place after dark, each scene is set by the color of the light used. A tattoo parlor is illuminated by a red glow as Vee and Ian begin to get closer and the sparks fly. The blue light emitting from the bottom of Ian's motorcycle takes them on a terrifying ride through the city and the sterile white florescent lights alert the audience to the fact that the game has become dangerous.
9. Dave Franco
Have I mentioned that Dave Franco is amazing in this movie? Yes? Okay well he is. As someone who has been in many comedic roles, Franco proves he is capable of pulling off a stunning performance in a dramatic setting. His character confesses his secret to Vee and devises a plan to save her, at the risk of losing everything.
10. High School Drama
As the film opens, we see Vee and her friends preparing to finish their senior year and head off to college. Vee faces the tough decision to stay at home and go to community college or venture into the big city to a big art school. She also experiences a crush on a classmate she never talks to and a best friend who is more popular than she is. Sound like your high school experience? Yeah, mine too. The rest of the film is littered with high school drama and petty fights between Vee and her friends. Though I do not miss this part of my life, I was reminded of what is was like to be in some similar situations while also feeling extremely relieved I am past that stage
When I first saw the trailer for Nerve, I was skeptical. Outside my usual chick flick and classic movie tastes, I was unsure if it would be worth my time or money. Thankfully I was surprised and wowed by this film. From the cinematography to the soundtrack to Dave Franco, I would absolutely recommend this movie to anyone!
