Cast
View AllMadelyn Deutch
as Izzy Klein
Zoey Deutch
as Sabrina Klein
Lea Thompson
as Deb Klein
Melissa Bolona
as Amythyst Stone
Avan Jogia
as Sebastian Bennett
Nicholas Braun
as Charlie Reed
Brandon T. Jackson
as Logan
Jesse Bradford
as Aaron Ezra
Cameron Monaghan
as Ross
Zach Roerig
as Mikey
Bob Clendenin
as Sven
Troy Evans
as Sketch
Alison Martin
as Marg
Lily Anne Harrison
as Maria
D.W. Moffett
as Teacher
Crew
Director
- Lea Thompson
Writer
- Madelyn Deutch
Producer
- Howard Deutch
- Zoey Deutch
- Gordon Gilbertson
- Danny Roth
- Damiano Tucci
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Year of Spectacular Men examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Lea Thompson brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Year of Spectacular Men took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 158 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 962 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Year of Spectacular Men shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Tomboy, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Year of Spectacular Men subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Eat Me! and Stuck explore similar territory, The Year of Spectacular Men stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 15, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 42m
Where to Watch

