Netflix’s New Movie Aims to Be the Next ‘Superbad’

On August 17, 2007, Superbad hit theaters. Critics celebrated the film, which now holds an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and audiences quickly confirmed its status as a classic high school movie. With memorable performances by Michael Cera and Jonah Hill, quirky characters like Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), and the bumbling cops Michaels and Slater (Seth Rogen and Bill Hader), it became a comedy legend. The writing by Rogen and Evan Goldberg, with input from Judd Apatow, and Greg Mottola’s direction, ensured its success.

Many consider Superbad to be the last great high school movie, despite worthy successors like Easy A, Booksmart, Good Boys, and Bottoms. These films have their merits but haven’t quite captured the timeless essence of Superbad. With its perfect casting, quotable lines, and memorable scenes, Superbad set a high bar for high school comedies. And the wait for a successor has been long and ongoing.

Enter Incoming, the latest and possibly greatest contender on Netflix. Similar to Superbad, Incoming unfolds over one pivotal day. It follows Benj (Mason Thames), a freshman, as he embarks on his first day of high school. Benj has a crush on Bailey (Isabella Ferreira), his sister Alyssa’s (Ali Gallo) best friend. With his friends Connor (Raphael Alejandro), Eddie (Ramon Reed), and Koosh (Bardia Seiri) by his side, Benj plans to impress Bailey at a party thrown by Koosh’s older brother.

This irreverent, R-rated comedy, directed by first-timers Dave and John Chernin, shares much with Superbad. Its profane language and characters obsessed with sex mirror the earlier film, as do the character archetypes: Benj is straight-laced like Evan; Connor is the paranoid friend; Koosh possesses McLovin’s wild energy; and Bobby Cannavale’s character Mr. Studebaker parallels the wacky adult figures in Superbad. The film also boasts a strong supporting cast, including Thomas Barcusca as the school scumbag Ruby, Loren Gray as social media star Katrina, and Scott MacArthur as Eddie’s overbearing stepdad Dennis.

Yet, Incoming stands apart with its unique Gen Z perspective, awareness of social issues, and over-the-top humor akin to Bottoms. While Bottoms is more absurdist, Incoming blends gross-out humor and slapstick comedy with old-school charm. Furthermore, its female leads, like Alyssa, have substantial character arcs, giving the film a broader scope than Superbad.

What truly separates Incoming from Superbad is its setting at the start of high school. While Superbad captured the end-of-high-school catharsis, Incoming focuses on the anxieties of beginning high school. Each character has a unique approach: Benj seeks love from Bailey; Connor wants to prove his toughness; Eddie fears discomfort and disruption; and Koosh aims to gain his brother’s approval. This film captures the raw emotions of entering high school, presenting a modern, relevant take on the experience.

Among the cast, Bardia Seiri’s performance as Koosh stands out. Much like Mintz-Plasse’s McLovin, Seiri’s Koosh is a memorable, complex character. Though flawed, Koosh’s antics bring humor and heart to the film, making Seiri’s portrayal a highlight.

So, is Incoming as good as Superbad? While some may argue no, this question misses the point. Despite similarities, Incoming is its own film, more modern and poignant than high school movies from past decades. With its well-crafted script and relatable moments, Incoming resonates with the new generation and anyone who has faced the daunting first day of high school.

Incoming successfully captures the essence of stepping into high school, a feeling of fear and excitement, making it a standout in the genre.

Source: Netflix