Elle Fanning Shines Bright As A Pop Star in ‘Teen Spirit’

Much like being an actual pop star, the film Teen Spirit demonstrates how the highs are high and the lows are low. Max Minghella’s directorial debut is now available to rent on Amazon and iTunes, and it’s easily one of the most fun films of this year.

Much of that is due to star Elle Fanning. The actress carries this film with grace, a genuine vulnerability, and performances so powerful you’ll want to immediately see her in another movie AND on a worldwide tour. Fanning stars as Violet, a poor teen who enters an American Idol-like competition with the help of a new mentor and embarks on a pop star journey, again, complete with many ups and downs, particularly emotionally. The film turns out to be especially timely as it tackles the ickiness of the music industry, as anyone who’s logged onto Twitter this week is well aware.

Perhaps it’s that Fanning’s singing performances build up so much energy that the scenes in between can feel like they’re lagging, but it’s worth sticking around just to see her in action. From the tryouts to the big stage, these moments will make you feel like you’re both watching and actually IN a super cool music video, as some incredibly dazzling lighting designs are utilized. Just know that you’ll want to jump up and sing right along with her, so choose your viewing pals carefully as this could easily turn into a karaoke night. That’s also because the film’s soundtrack is stacked with some of the best female pop songs of the last decade, from artists including Robyn, Ellie Goulding, and Sigrid, and it’s Fanning’s version of “Dancing On My Own” that is sure to give you goosebumps. If you’ve ever wanted to be a pop star yourself, or at least live vicariously through a fictional one, you’re sure to get a thrill from Teen Spirit.

Where to stream Teen Spirit