There’s a solid list of stoner comedies to watch out there. How many of those however, star women in the leading roles? Did I stump you? Chances are, I probably did. Don’t blame yourself, the weed hasn’t damaged your last two brain cells. The truth is, that there simply aren’t many to pick from. Women are terribly underrepresented in cinema when it comes to comedy, even more so when it comes to cannabis related comedy. Ask yourself, “Who’s my favorite female stoner character in the movies??” – did you even have an answer? Because I sure didn’t.
At least half of my stoner friends and family are women. Some of these women smoke twice as much as their male counterparts. These women listen to the music of the culture and attend just as many…if not MORE shows than most. They’re expert joint rollers, and share our love of late night snacks and the excitement of getting a new piece to smoke from. They know the words to the songs, can quote the movies and are always willing to smoke you out. So why are there so few stoner parts played by women? I don’t know, but it was a pleasant surprise when I was searching Vudu and found ‘Never Goin’ Back’. A relatively unknown 2018 movie written and directed by Texas native, Augustine Frizzell. It stars Camila Morrone and Maia Mitchell. The story takes place in a small Texas town and is inspired by Frizell’s teenage years and experiences.
Jessie (Morrone) and Angela (Mitchell) play two teenagers who want to take a trip to the beach. They need a break from a pretty shitty small town life, a stupid brother and his friends, a bitchy coworker and a crappy job. I’m not going to give any spoilers, but the movie is worth the watch. It revolves around the girls trying to find money for rent and for a trip to the beach. There are illegal activities, law enforcement and lots of four letter words said.
What I love about the movie is that it connects. I feel like we all knew these girls, maybe even wanted to date them. Or if you are a woman…maybe you WERE one of these girls. They’re funny, smartassed, tough and just sick of everyone’s shit.
Sort of a stoner flick, some of it a teenage comedy, but all of it is an absolutely excellent movie. For the movie snobs, Morrone is an excellent actress and the rest of the acting is on par. The characters are easy to believe would exist and the story isn’t far fetched. So you can bring your snooty nose down and have a good time.
It’s an R-rated flick, and it definitely belongs there. I’d recommend it for any date night cuddler, a lazy afternoon with your cannabis loving cousins or when you just need a break from the stoner classics and are ready to add one to the list. – Pino
