ROOMMATES – Review by Walker Conger (Mentorship Program Critic)
Even if you had a wonderful freshman year roommate, I’m sure the “what-if” questions have crossed your mind as you’re settling into your new shared space. “What if we have nothing in common?” “What if they take my stuff?” “What if they expose my secrets?” “What if they set my things on fire?” In Chandler Levack’s Roommates, you will see all of these “what-ifs” play out in wildly unexpected ways.
Reserved, introverted Devon (Sadie Sandler) has had bad luck with friendships her whole life, but she’s looking to change that in college. After meeting the outgoing and fun Celeste (Chloe East) during orientation, the two become inseparable and decide to become roommates. Throughout the year, things begin to go south as Celeste crosses boundaries and makes Devon miserable, culminating in a huge falling out, revenge, and catastrophic damage to people’s reputations…and a dormitory.
All of the unknowns and struggles that come along with being a college freshman are on show in this film, between meeting new people, figuring out which classes will be the easiest, and how you’re going to spend your first spring break as an adult. There are some massively infuriating moments in this film – like when Celeste just won’t pay Devon back for plane tickets and tattoos and drinks and…that’s not even close to the worst thing she does. By the end of the film, everything wraps up in a satisfying and humorous ending, especially for Devon. No spoilers, but the ending features a very fun cameo that proves not all roommates are horrible, even in the worst circumstances. Continue reading on THE FEMALE GAZE
ABOUT WALKER CONGER:
Walker Conger is a senior at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, getting a degree in Filmmaking with a concentration in Screenwriting. After UNCSA, she plans on getting her Masters in Archival Studies, where she can continue film education and work in a different format. While she enjoys films from every genre, her favorites are historical pieces, coming-of-age, and thrillers. Walker is an AWFJ/UNCSA Mentorship Program critic under the guidance of Professor Julia Swift.
ABOUT AWFJ/UNCSA MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) and the Alliance of Women Film Journalists (AWFJ) have partnered to launch the AWFJ/UNCSA Mentorship Program, an initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic study and the professional world of film criticism. The program creates a vital pathway for the next generation of cultural commentators to transition into the industry. Its mission is to support aspiring film, television, and streaming reviewers by providing them with a professional platform and direct mentorship from established critics. By connecting UNCSA’s rigorous arts conservatory training with the AWFJ’s extensive journalistic experience, the program seeks to cultivate critics who are not only knowledgeable about cinema but also skilled in the craft of engaging, analytical writing for a broad audience. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to the future of film criticism, ensuring that emerging talent is nurtured, equipped with practical skills, and given the opportunity to build a professional portfolio before graduation.
