Zoey Deutch has evolved into one vastly rich and talented actress, particularly over the last several years. The zenith of that meteoric rise, Flower, has landed on DVD and firmly sits on the must-see list for home video releases for the summer.
The actress, who is Lea Thompson’s daughter, delivers an electric performance as a teenage girl who takes it upon herself to be the wielder of justice in the timeliest of ways—given our current climate of #MeToo and more.
In Flower, Deutch is Erica, a sexually curious young woman who seems to be content living the life she’s leading as her present seems to be speeding into the future. Complications arise when she becomes fascinated with her new stepbrother’s claim about Will (Adam Scott), a teacher at their school. Partnering with her stepbro and her friends, Erica essentially offers herself as bait to lure the teacher into an inappropriate relationship and therefore—nail him to the wall legally at the most and in the court of public opinion at the least.
It’s a curious concept, especially with the headlines of the last year with women being preyed upon by those who should know better. At times, because of that fact, it is a bit challenging to watch the drama play out knowing how these incidents are going on in real life. But, this is an escapist farce from Max Winkler (who co-wrote and helmed the project) and in his capable hands, the film flows quite well and certain entertains. That fact, honestly, is largely due to the immense and explosive talent of Deutch.
After scoring a small part in Beautiful Creatures in 2013, she dazzled on the small screen in the short-lived series Switched at Birth. That caught the eye of casting directors and before long, she was off to the cinematic races. It was her turn in Everybody Wants Some as the female lead that broader audiences caught on to the wave that is her immense gifts. She was (in our opinion) wasted in the James Franco battles Bryan Cranston comedy Why Him? But as she has done repeatedly, she makes a mildly interesting project elevated due to her mere presence. Then, in 2017, she dazzled in the most spectacular ways in Before I Fall.
Flower arrived earlier this year and continues her ascent to the top tier of talent of her generation. (On a side note, if you have Netflix, do not miss her in the stunning rebirth of the rom-com effort, Set It Up). The film is absolutely and unquestionably the Zoey Deutch show and that is what makes it. Without her, this would be a mediocre at best cinematic experience.
Sure, the supporting cast here is quite gifted as well. Scott is dizzyingly squirmy as the teacher in question and Kathryn Hahn continues to amaze us with every single role she scores. Hahn is another who elevates the material with her immense gifts and she once again does that here in a supporting role.
When it comes to bonus features, there is none—truly—to speak of in Flower, other than a commentary track with helmer Winkler. But, this is no ordinary home video play-by-play commentary by a filmmaker explaining his or her decisions and filmmaking methodology. After all, this is the Deutch show and her addition to the commentary track elevates it as well. At this point, can we just let Zoe do everything!
Film Grade: B
Bonus Features: C