As You Are

In the Pacific Northwest of the early 1990s, three teenagers navigate a complex web of relationships and social anxieties. Mark, a quiet high school student, forms an intense bond with his best friend Kurt. Their lives take a turn when they meet Sarah, a new girl at school, and the trio finds themselves caught in a whirlwind of unspoken feelings and shared experiences. The film explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the confusing transition into adulthood during a pre-internet era.

As You Are received generally positive reviews, with critics often praising its authentic portrayal of teenage angst and its nuanced performances, particularly from the young cast. Some noted its stylistic influences and raw emotional honesty, while others found its pacing occasionally uneven.

• Praised for its authentic and raw depiction of adolescent relationships and identity.

• Commended for strong performances from its young lead actors.

• Noted for its atmospheric and melancholic tone, evoking a specific time and place.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's sensitive exploration of teenage friendships and the discovery of self. Many found the performances compelling and the story relatable, though some wished for a more definitive narrative arc.

Won the Special Jury Prize for Breakthrough Performance (Charlie Heaton, Amandla Stenberg, Owen Campbell) at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.

The film was shot on 16mm film, contributing to its distinct visual style reminiscent of 1990s independent cinema.