Entertainment Blog #287 | Incoming [2024] : Not for Everyone...

*Incoming* tackles the age-old theme of high school reinvention, presenting a comedic spin on how teens navigate their freshman year. With characters trying to fit in, fall in love, and make their mark, the movie taps into relatable experiences—whether it's the awkwardness of adolescence, the struggle for identity, or the frantic effort to keep up appearances. It’s a story of clumsy missteps, friendships tested, and the complicated nature of high school dynamics, all tied together in a wildly exaggerated, yet recognizable portrayal of teenage life. For anyone who remembers their first week of high school, *Incoming* offers a nostalgic, albeit chaotic, reflection.

Released on August 23, 2024, on Netflix, Incoming marks the directorial debut of brothers Dave and John Chernin. Known for their work on television, the Chernins take their talents to the big screen, co-writing and directing this feature-length film. The film stars rising talents Mason Thames, Ramon Reed, and Raphael Alejandro as the main trio of friends, alongside industry veterans Bobby Cannavale and Kaitlin Olson. Netflix acquired the rights to the film in late 2023, and the cast's chemistry, combined with the Chernin brothers' sharp comedic sensibility, created anticipation among fans of coming-of-age stories.

The plot kicks off with Benj, played by Mason Thames, determined to reinvent himself as he steps into high school. Alongside his buddies Eddie and Connor, the trio sets out to make a name for themselves. Benj’s ambitions, however, extend beyond just fitting in; he’s got his eyes on Bailey, his older sister’s friend.

As the trio navigates their new world, they’re quickly caught in a series of wild and often absurd misadventures. Benj's desire to impress Bailey leads him to a party hosted by Koosh's older brother, where things spiral out of control in ways neither he nor his friends could have predicted. Amidst mistaken identities, misjudged choices, and the typical high school chaos, Benj learns valuable lessons about authenticity and self-acceptance.

At the party, Benj’s decision to follow his reckless instincts throws him into one awkward situation after another. Same goes for the other friends of him in different environments. The plot thickens when Benj inadvertently gets caught up in a fraudulent drug deal and a bizarre series of events involving intoxicated students, a misguided chemistry teacher, and a close encounter with law enforcement.

Meanwhile, his friends Eddie and Connor embark on their own ill-advised journey, culminating in a disastrous car ride with a very intoxicated popular girl named Katrina. From messy car incidents to party mishaps, the film maintains a frantic, fast-paced energy, ensuring the audience remains on edge, waiting to see how the night will unfold.

As the party reaches its peak, Benj finds himself at a crossroads. Should he continue trying to impress his crush and older peers, or should he embrace who he really is? The chaos crescendos with police intervention, friendships strained, and life lessons awkwardly learned. Yet, amidst the mess, there's a tender moment when Benj and Bailey share a kiss, complicating his attempts to leave behind his freshman awkwardness. Despite everything, the party's chaos only reinforces the importance of friendship and self-awareness for Benj and his crew.

What sets Incoming apart from other high school comedies is its brazen, over-the-top approach to familiar tropes. While many films center on self-discovery and teenage romance, Incoming pushes boundaries with wild party sequences, unexpected drug mishaps, and slapstick humor. There’s a dark, absurdist edge to the Chernin brothers’ humor, but the film never loses sight of its emotional core: the universal teenage desire to be seen and accepted. It’s a delicate balance between absurd humor and genuine moments of vulnerability.

Despite some of its creative strengths, Incoming received a lukewarm critical response. With a 21% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 38/100 on Metacritic, many critics felt the film’s humor was too forced, relying heavily on gross-out gags and shock value. While some praised the cast’s performances, particularly Thames’ portrayal of the awkward yet endearing Benj, others found the film’s chaotic nature off-putting. Audiences were split, with some embracing its high-energy absurdity, while others felt it lacked the depth or cohesion found in more refined coming-of-age films.

Incoming is a mixed bag of teen comedy tropes, absurd plotlines, and chaotic humor. It might not be for everyone, but for those willing to embrace its unapologetically wild take on high school life, there’s fun to be had. If you’re in the mood for a film that captures the chaos of freshman year in a larger-than-life manner, Incoming offers a ride full of misadventures, laughs, and awkward lessons. Just be prepared for a messier, wilder take on teenage life.