Coming of Age Archives - Cinematic Insights

Interview With Melissa B. Miller Costanzo, Writer And Director Of ALL THESE SMALL MOMENTS: On Making A Contemporary Film With Nostalgic Roots

Writer and director Melissa B. Miller Costanzo’s feature debut, All These Small Moments, is a tender coming-of-age drama that explores the imprecise nature of transitioning into an adult and the surprising relationships that can shape us along the way. Starring Molly Ringwald in a role unlike any she has previously tackled and up and coming actor Brendan Meyer, this tale of a young man coping with the growing pains of adolescence through his obsession with an older woman is as equally humorous as it is cuttingly authentic.

Costanzo, being no stranger to the film industry having worked in the art department and as a producer on a number of prestige dramas, including If Beale Street Could Talk and The Fighter, demonstrated a strong visual eye as All These Small Moments is notable in its visual flair throughout. I was lucky enough to have the chance to speak with Costanzo about her new film, what inspired her, casting the iconic Molly Ringwald, and why it was important to limit the role of social media.

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ALL THESE SMALL MOMENTS: A Tender Coming-Of-Age Dramedy

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Over the past few years there has been an abundance of riches as it concerns coming-of-age teen dramas. Unlike recent genre entries such as Love, Simon with its aims of inclusion and Eighth Grade with its commentary on the influence of social media’s role on teens, All These Small Moments goes back to basics, foregoing a contemporary hook completely. The film, however, possesses an uncommon honesty in its exploration of timeless themes related to growing up as we examine a young man and his unconventional infatuation with a woman in her 30’s.

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Eighth Grade Review

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(3.5 / 4)

A harrowingly intimate and oftentimes comical portrayal of the way social media has complicated the already overwhelming transition from childhood to adulthood.

Eighth Grade marks the writing and directorial debut of multifaceted entertainer Bo Burnham, and on paper, a tender film such as this feels a bit unexpected. Burnham’s work, while always hilarious and witty, is consistently laced with profanity and touches on provocative, sensitive subjects in an almost arrogant manner. If one looks beyond this exaggerated stage persona though, Burnham’s songs have always contained cutting insights into the human condition and the hypocrisy present in the world. Songs like “Repeat Stuff” offer a biting criticism of the carefully constructed nature of mainstream pop songs but also demonstrate a degree of empathy for the unsuspecting adolescent victims of this manipulation. Bearing this in mind, it makes perfect sense that Burnham has masterfully crafted a sincerely honest portrait of the angst and dread that accompany growing up, whilst delivering this message through his own comedic lens.

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