This coming-of-age road movie, adapted from a book, comes from the director of 'Soul Kitchen'. While it follows familiar teen film formulas, its German origin sets it apart—though such films aren't exactly rare, they’re not as common as Hollywood productions. Beyond that, cultural differences shape the story, influencing the characters’ mindsets and the nature of their adventure. The original title references one of the main characters, but the narrative unfolds from another character’s perspective who has been with him throughout his journey. The film begins with a road accident, followed by flashbacks revealing earlier events. While I wasn't particularly impressed by the story itself, I appreciated how it was presented on screen; it’s a brisk 90-minute movie with a straightforward style that maintains a consistent pace. It recounts the summer experiences of two teenage boys. After being excluded from a birthday party for a girl he likes, Maik embarks on an unexpected road trip with a new and eccentric friend, marking what feels like a pivotal moment in his life. This journey broadens his horizons, as he’d previously lived within a limited world, especially concerning his unrequited feelings. The film concludes by briefly showing where the characters end up and the consequences of their actions. > ❝Someone just needs to scratch in some letters, then it will be 'Atomic Crisis of 2016'.❞ The road movie concept is well-executed, with charming vignettes arising from encounters with new people and places. Approximately halfway through, a third character is introduced—a welcome development. Initially unintentional, this addition proves significant. While not entirely reflective of real life, the film captures a feeling that resonates with reality: how some individuals detach themselves from the world and its inhabitants, though for reasons left unexplained to avoid complicating the plot. What stood out most was the film’s refusal to delve too deeply into any one aspect. The overall feel is raw and unpolished, apart from the initial scenes at school which felt more like an introduction than a true beginning. The rest of the movie depicts a transformation—a shift in the main character's state to an unforeseen outcome. The film touches on LGBTQ+ themes but quickly moves past them, as it does with several other topics. Overall, it’s an enjoyable watch from a teenager’s point of view; not everything needs to be taken seriously. Despite some contradictory actions, certain moments offer insight and inspiration. The performances were excellent across the board, particularly from the two lead actors whose unusual pairing worked surprisingly well, though their dynamic wasn't overtly strange within the context of the story. Maik reminded me of Wiley Wiggins from 'Dazed and Confused'. While the film avoids predictability, its trajectory is somewhat foreseeable. Saying it’s excellent doesn’t guarantee everyone will enjoy it; teenagers and fans of children’s films are most likely to appreciate it, while those familiar with this genre might find nothing new. The fact that it's a German production won't matter much to them. It's still worth checking out regardless of whether you think you'll like it or not. _7.5/10_

Source on TMDB