Mike, a recent high school graduate, comes to terms with getting older and moving out of the house in the form of writing a goodbye speech in Funmi Adetola’s Hi, I’m Growing Up.
Funmi Adetola is a man of many talents in his debut film, “Hi, I’m Growing Up.” A triple threat in fact as the writer, director, and even the star of this 73-minute family comedy. Shot on a shoestring budget and an iPhone 7 with his real family as his actors, the film offers a humorous and realistic look at a young man’s struggle to find his own place in the world, and more specifically, where he fits in his family hierarchy.
Fresh out of high school, Mike (played by Funmi Adetola) should be basking in the freedom of a well-earned summer break but instead, he is stuck in a rut at home. Gone is the enthusiastic dreamer replaced by a tired and lethargic slacker partying at night, with his days filled with dodging the chores doled out by his well-meaning but nagging parents (Ejibunmi Adetola and Motunrayo Adetola). Now though, adding to all these woes is the pressure that is on to write a heartfelt and memorable speech for his upcoming farewell party.
The heart of the film lies in the amusing sibling rivalry between Mike and his sister Ayo (Dipo Adetola), who are also siblings in real life. Their natural chemistry and comedic timing are on full display, turning mundane tasks into laugh-out-loud moments. There is a natural chemistry and some fine comedic timing that shines through and this helps to bring, what I’m guessing is their actual sibling rivalry to life on screen. Director Adetola keeps the film moving at a brisk pace despite the simple cinematography. The editing adds a playful touch, particularly with the Last Airbender-inspired animated sequence that helps to break up the film’s visual monotony. This unexpected shift in style works quite well and is definitely the highlight of the movie.
The closeness of the iPhone 7 camera proves to be a decent fit for the film’s low-stakes approach and the focus on an average family’s everyday dealings, with the phone’s natural field of view mirroring how we see the world in real life, as a silent onlooker peering in. This approach helps to create a sense of authenticity, allowing viewers to feel like they are part of the family’s existence and more importantly, Mike’s struggles. This gives us a relatable slice-of-life feel, making the audience think that they have been here before and that this has happened to them. There are also some nice external wide shots that give us a feel of Mike and his family’s neighbourhood.
While the film stumbles with some technical issues like muffled dialogue and overwhelming music, it shines in its comedic performances and clever editing choices. “Hi, I’m Growing Up” might not be a cinematic masterpiece, but its humour and focus on family make it an enjoyable sitcom-style watch. The cast’s natural performances and the film’s creative editing choices elevate a simple story that creates a light-hearted look at a relatable situation.
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