Mid90s 2018

Movie · 85 min · English · September 9, 2018

Comedy-drama Coming-of-age comedy-drama Independent

Directed by Jonah HillWritten by Jonah Hill

Starring Sunny Suljic, Lucas Hedges, Na-Kel Smith, Olan Prenatt, Gio Galicia

Mid90s is a 2018 American coming-of-age comedy-drama film written and directed by Jonah Hill, marking his feature directorial debut. The story centers on Stevie, a 13-year-old boy living in 1990s Los Angeles. Escaping difficulties at home, he starts spending time with a group of older skateboarders. The movie features Sunny Suljic, Lucas Hedges, Na-Kel Smith, Alexa Demie, and Katherine Waterston in its cast.

For Jonah Hill, the film was a personal endeavor inspired by his youth in Los Angeles during the 1990s. Drawing influence from directors such as Martin Scorsese and Spike Jonze, Hill sought to authentically represent 1990s skate culture. Production occurred across multiple Los Angeles areas. Mid90s was shot with a 4:3 aspect ratio echoing VHS skate tapes, utilizing Super 16mm film stock to mimic 1990s skate videos. The musical score included 1990s hip hop, punk, and alternative rock.

The film premiered worldwide at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2018, followed by a theatrical release in the United States on October 19, 2018 through A24. Critics viewed it favorably, describing it as a "promising first outing for Hill" and noting its nostalgic tone. It earned $9.3 million at the box office against a $1.7 million budget.