Slums of Beverly Hills
Slums of Beverly Hills

Movie spotlight

Slums of Beverly Hills

1998
Movie
91 min
English

In 1976, a lower-middle-class teenager struggles to cope living with her neurotic family of nomads on the outskirts of Beverly Hills.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic63/100
Google Users75%
Director: Tamara JenkinsGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

Vivian, a street-smart teenager from a dysfunctional family living on the fringes of wealthy Beverly Hills, navigates the complexities of adolescence, sexuality, and social class. As her parents struggle with addiction and financial instability, Vivian finds herself drawn to the privileged world she observes but cannot access. The film follows her often awkward and humorous journey through awkward encounters and self-discovery.

Critical Reception

Slums of Beverly Hills was generally well-received by critics, who praised its sharp wit, honest portrayal of suburban ennui, and Natasha Lyonne's breakout performance. The film was lauded for its unique blend of humor and pathos, offering a refreshingly authentic look at a specific social milieu.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sharp, observational humor and authentic voice.

  • Natasha Lyonne delivers a standout performance as a complex teenager.

  • Appreciated for its frank depiction of dysfunctional family dynamics and class commentary.

Google audience: Audiences found the film to be a funny and relatable portrayal of teenage awkwardness and family struggles, often highlighting Natasha Lyonne's performance and the movie's unique sense of humor.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Director Tamara Jenkins based much of the film's semi-autobiographical elements on her own experiences growing up in Beverly Hills with unconventional parents.

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