Teen comedies aren’t complicated creatures.
It’s both about highschool, relationships, or associates – or a mix of all three. That’s it. Primarily based on Kody Keplinger’s novel, Ari Sandel’s The DUFF didn’t reinvent the method, nor create a whole new subgenre, however the movie preaches concerning the significance of self-acceptance – and that’s a lesson everybody might be taught from.
What’s a DUFF?
For these unfamiliar with the lingo, DUFF stands for the “Designated Ugly Fats Buddy.” Within the movie, Wesley Rush (Robbie Amell) explains how the particular person doesn’t must be “fats” or “ugly” to be thought of a DUFF, however they’re merely seen because the least-attractive – although probably the most approachable – member of a good friend group. Basically, they’re the particular person others befriend with the intent of attempting to get to another person in a friendship circle. DUFF is a fully merciless time period and a repulsive mind-set about human beings, however it’s a tragic actuality that some folks partake in this sort of habits.
In The DUFF, Bianca Piper (Mae Whitman) will get advised she’s the DUFF of her group, so she tries to reinvent herself with the assistance of Wesley. In return for altering the notion about her, Bianca guarantees to assist Wesley go science and keep on the soccer workforce. Yeah, yeah, that final bit sounds just like the plot level for each jock in a teen comedy, however simply roll with it right here.
Bianca isn’t a historically nerdy or unconfident protagonist
What stands out about The DUFF is the very fact Bianca strays away from teen comedy stereotypes. She isn’t shy. She isn’t a loner. She’s authentically herself, proudly loving horror movies and by no means being in need of a humorous quip in a social setting. It isn’t till somebody brings up how she’s thought of a DUFF that she questions others’ perceptions of her in highschool. This occasion is what takes her on the narrative journey of questioning if she wants to vary who she is to be seen otherwise by her friends. But, whilst she makes an attempt to “change,” her character outshines the superficial makeover.
Satirically, the character that undergoes the most important transformation in The DUFF is Wesley. Portrayed as an archetypal jock, he places inventory in courting the most well liked lady in highschool, being the lead soccer star, and valuing reputation over substance. Whereas Bianca discovers that the one change she wants in her life is self-acceptance, Wesley suffers a mini identification disaster. As soon as he sees he lives a life with out goal and significant relationships, he realizes the necessity for him to dig deeper than the superficial connections to uncover what’s actual.
It’s is a tribute to self-acceptance
In an odd accident, it’s Wesley who offers the perfect piece of recommendation in The DUFF when he says, “You might want to notice you’re solely as superior as you assume you’re.” This isn’t about vainness or conceitedness; it’s about your self within the mirror and saying, “I’m good with who I’m, in and out.” It’s self-acceptance.
Bianca builds upon this idea in a while within the movie, as she reminds everybody that somebody will at all times be one other particular person’s DUFF. There’ll at all times be somebody hotter, smarter, and funnier than you on the market, so there’s no level in getting misplaced on this lose-lose state of affairs and limitless competitors. As an alternative, it’s about accepting who you’re – warts and all – and residing your life to the fullest.
‘The DUFF’ didn’t must be healthful or overly sexual
It’s humorous how there appears to be no completely happy medium with teen comedies – they’re both too raunchy or too healthful. Each followers and filmmakers surprise if there’s a contented medium, although The DUFF is correct there as the right center floor. Yeah, Bianca and Wesley make intercourse jokes and playful innuendo, however they by no means cross over into the terrain the place somebody wants to make sure an apple pie’s virginity isn’t compromised.
Ever since then – 2015 to be actual – it seems as if teen comedy can’t determine what it ought to be. The reality is it ought to by no means be concerning the score or copying a method. It’s about telling a narrative that resonates with the target market and sends the precise message. The DUFF understood its task. Ten years later, its lesson about prioritizing self-acceptance nonetheless rings loud and proud.