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Okay, so I know we all went through our massive Divergent phase back in the day (we don’t talk about Allegiant, okay?), but Shailene Woodley’s actual best movie is finally hitting Netflix this week and I am screaming. I’m talking about The Spectacular Now. If you haven’t seen it, you are literally missing out on the most raw, honest teen drama of the 2010s. Forget the dystopian stuff—this is Shailene at her peak. Real talk: it’s emotional damage in the best way possible.
1. The chemistry between Shailene and Miles Teller is actually insane
Look, I’ll be honest—I’ve seen a lot of on-screen couples, but Sutter and Aimee feel dangerously real. It’s not that polished, Hollywood-perfect romance. It’s messy. It’s awkward. It’s exactly how it feels to fall in love when you’re seventeen and have no idea what you’re doing with your life. You can tell they actually liked each other on set, and it makes every scene feel like you’re eavesdropping on a private moment. No cap, it’s their best work together.
2. It has a 91% Rotten Tomatoes score for a reason
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In a world of mid-tier rom-coms, this movie is a literal unicorn. Critics obsessed over it back in 2013 and it has aged like fine wine. It currently sits at a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is higher than almost any of her other projects. It’s the kind of movie that makes you realize Shailene wasn’t just a YA star—she was a powerhouse actress from the jump. If you trust the Tomatometer, this is your sign to hit play.
3. Shailene’s ‘no makeup’ look was a total cultural reset
Here’s the thing about this movie that nobody talks about anymore: Shailene famously wore zero makeup for the role. She wanted Aimee to look like a real human girl, not a CW version of a teenager. Honestly, it was iconic. It made the character so much more relatable. We’re so used to seeing ‘nerdy’ girls in movies who are clearly supermodels in glasses, but Aimee feels like someone you actually went to chem class with.
4. Brie Larson is in it before she was Captain Marvel!
Umm, hello? Can we talk about this cast? Before she was winning Oscars or leading the Avengers, Brie Larson was playing the ‘cool ex-girlfriend’ in this movie. She’s incredible as Cassidy, and seeing her and Shailene share the screen is a total fever dream for pop culture nerds. It’s like a pre-fame talent convention. You’ll be pointing at the screen every five minutes like ‘Wait, is that…?’ Yes, yes it is.
5. It was written by the same guys who did 500 Days of Summer
If you loved the vibes of (500) Days of Summer, you are going to be lowkey obsessed with this. Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber wrote the screenplay, and they basically have a PhD in writing realistic heartbreak. They don’t rely on cheesy tropes or grand gestures. Instead, they give us dialogue that actually sounds like things people say. It’s smart, it’s sharp, and it will probably make you cry at least twice.
6. It deals with some seriously heavy stuff without being preachy
This isn’t just a movie about high school parties. It tackles some really dark themes—like alcoholism and parental abandonment—in a way that feels incredibly grounded. It doesn’t try to give you a ‘moral of the story’ or a PSA. It just shows you the reality of how trauma can pass down through families. It’s heavy, yeah, but it’s handled with so much grace. You’ll be thinking about it for days after the credits roll.
7. The cinematography is pure 2010s indie vibes
Everything about the way this movie looks is a total mood. It was shot on 35mm film in Georgia, and it has that warm, hazy, golden-hour glow that makes everything feel nostalgic. It captures that specific feeling of a suburban summer where the nights feel endless and everything feels high-stakes. It’s aesthetically pleasing in a way that feels authentic, not filtered for Instagram. It’s just… chef’s kiss.
8. It’s way better than The Fault in Our Stars (sorry, not sorry)
I know, I know—don’t come for me! I love Augustus Waters as much as the next person, but The Spectacular Now is a much better movie. While TFIOS is designed to make you sob, this movie feels more earned. It’s more subtle. Shailene’s performance here is more nuanced than her role as Hazel Grace. It’s less ‘movie-sad’ and more ‘real-life-sad.’ If you want a story that feels lived-in, this is the one.
9. The ending is actually controversial and I love that
Without giving anything away, the ending isn’t your typical ‘happily ever after’ tied up with a bow. People still argue about what happens after the screen cuts to black. It’s ambiguous in a way that respects the audience’s intelligence. I personally change my mind about the ending every time I rewatch it. It’s the perfect conversation starter for your group chat. What do YOU think happens to Aimee and Sutter?
10. It’s the ultimate ‘comfort’ movie for when you’re feeling lost
Even though it’s a drama, there’s something so comforting about watching characters who don’t have it all figured out. Sutter is a mess, Aimee is figuring out her worth, and honestly? Relatable. Watching this on a rainy Sunday with a bowl of popcorn is a literal spiritual experience. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to be a work in progress. Netflix adding this is the best thing to happen to my weekend plans.
11. It’s officially Shailene’s ‘Pre-Divergent’ peak
Before she was jumping off trains and fighting the system, Shailene was the indie darling of the Sundance Film Festival. This movie is the reason she became a household name. If you only know her from the big blockbusters, you haven’t seen what she can really do. This is the role that proved she’s one of the best of her generation. Seriously, stop scrolling and just add it to your list already. You’re welcome!
FAQs
When is The Spectacular Now coming to Netflix?
The Spectacular Now is reportedly hitting Netflix on May 16, 2026. Make sure to check your local listings as streaming dates can vary by region, but it’s definitely time for a rewatch!
Is The Spectacular Now based on a book?
Yes! It’s based on the 2008 novel by Tim Tharp. While the movie is pretty faithful, the book’s ending is actually a lot darker. The movie gives us a bit more hope, which I totally prefer.
Is The Spectacular Now worth watching?
Absolutely. With a 91% Rotten Tomatoes score and incredible performances by Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller, it’s considered one of the best coming-of-age movies of the last twenty years. It’s a total must-watch.
Look, I’m not saying this movie will change your life, but… it might? The Spectacular Now is a rare gem that actually understands what it’s like to be young and confused. Shailene Woodley is a literal queen in this, and I’m so hyped it’s finally on Netflix for everyone to discover. Go watch it, cry a little, and then come find me so we can discuss that ending! Are you team Sutter or does he need to get it together? Let me know!
