The DUFF
2015 · Directed by Ari Sandel
Original language: English
- romance
- comedy
The story
Bianca's universe turns upside down when she learns that her high school refers to her as a ‘DUFF' (Designated Ugly Fat Friend). Hoping to erase that label, she enlists the help of a charming jock and her favorite teacher. Together they'll face the school's mean girl and remind everyone that we are all someone's DUFF… and that's totally fine.
What it’s like
Bright, bouncy suburban daylight and warm, saturated school hallways, with lockers, cafeteria tables and sunny backyard parties filling the frame in conventional, cheerful coverage. The camera is mostly tidy and mobile, with quick cuts, snappy reaction shots and playful split-screen moments for social-media jokes, and the score is upbeat pop with the odd stinging needle drop. The vibe is light, bubbly and self-aware, the kind of teen comedy that suits a lazy weekend afternoon, a sleepover or an easy watch with friends. The pacing is brisk and the emotional register stays warm and cheerful, with a sardonic, friendly edge. Its central arc follows a witty, insecure teenage girl gaining confidence and learning to see herself on her own terms, while a popular boy and an adult mentor help her along. Intensity is low: there is some teasing, bullying and mean-girl cruelty, a few crude and suggestive jokes and a couple of teen kisses, with no real violence, gore or dread. It is made for teens and young adults, and for anyone who wants a gentle, funny story about fitting in and feeling good about who you are.
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