It is refreshing to see films that really seem to “get” the people they are portraying, and Theatre Camp (2023) is one that knows what its doing. Based on the short film from 2020 of the same title directed by Nick Lieberman, the 2023 feature-length film Theater Camp, directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman follows a group of eccentric theater teachers, in “mockumentary” style, trying to keep their camp afloat amidst financial troubles and a last minute change of management for the summer. With an ensemble cast featuring director Molly Gordon and Broadway alum Ben Platt, alongside Noah Galvin, Jimmy Tatro, and Ayo Edebiri, the screenplay and its players fully understand and relay the experience of being a theater kid, or has-been kid, at theater camp. Telling a story of fitting in, in a place where each person is meant to stand out, alongside stories of friendship, passion, and finding your place, Gordon and Lieberman hilariously capture the magic of theater camp on the big screen, meant for all viewers who once started out as kids who loved musical theater.

Theater Camp fully understands the theater kid and their motivations, no matter how insufferable they may seem. Embracing the mockumentary style, the film places viewers in this faux-real-world camp, as voyeurs privy to secret conversations and drama behind the scenes of the goings-on of the camp itself. Accentuating this belief of summer camp as this other world that exists outside of the confines of the real world and all its mess, the style further adds to the films themes of finding a place to fit in, when the rest of the world won’t accept you, in its full dismissal of anything outside of the summer theater camp. The chemistry between characters, especially those played by real-life best friends Molly Gordon and Ben Platt are that much stronger, as the style leads viewers to believe this camera is documenting real life people as subjects of this real life documentary.

Through its characters, the film fully embraces the cringe, often times annoying aspects of the stereotypical theater kid. Ben Platt, as camp teacher Amos, fully captures this quirky, self-involved, eccentric character in his performance of the man trying to put on the summer musical no matter what obstacles he faces. Supported beautifully by co-star Molly Gordon as Rebecca-Diane, Amos’ best friend who seems to have her own agenda for the first time this summer, Gordon too so wonderfully articulates Rebecca-Diane’s quirks on screen, while adding depth in both her performance and direction to these theater obsessed adults often assumed to be a particular way in the world offscreen. Alongside Platt and Gordon are Noah Galvin, Jimmy Tatro, and Ayo Edebiri, all inhabiting characters with their own agendas and goals this summer working at the camp. It is unfortunate that Edebiri is largely under utilized in the third act of the film, despite her place in the story as the jack-of-all-trades teacher (who lied on her resume), with her small number of scenes being some of the comedic highlights of the film.

The screenplay, written by Noah Galvin, Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman, and Ben Platt, is brilliantly hilarious, featuring no lack of jokes and quick remarks coming from every character at almost every moment. The writers’ complete understanding of the theater kid and their quirks and motivations is evident in the screenplay, as one can’t help but sympathize with each character, no matter now irritating they may seem on the surface, or in their first introductions into the film. It’s use of summer camp, the time in between, to explore the very real anxieties that exist in the years between childhood and being an adult is unique, as well as its use of talented children in the theater industry alongside the featured and confused adults teachers to explore the common fears of letting go of one’s past and childhood to explore new futures.

Theater Camp (2023), directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman, is the newest addition to the list of mockumentary films done right . Telling the story of a group of teachers and students at a summer theater camp, in a year with new management and all the challenges that come with growing up and stepping in to the future, whatever that means for each character. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast and a hilarious screenplay that seems to fully understand and embrace every quirk of the stereotypical theater kid, despite its under utilization of some plot points and characters, the film excels in bringing home its most important message of the importance of finding a community who accepts and believes in you, when moving into the future and new beginnings.

Theater Camp (2023) is out now in select theatres across Canada.