Moxie

Movie Trailer

Release Date
March 3, 2021

Genre
Comedy, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Hadley Robinson as Vivian Carter
• Lauren Tsai as Claudia
• Alycia Pascual-Peña as Lucy
• Patrick Schwarzenegger as Mitchell Wilson
• Nico Hiraga as Seth Acosta
• Josephine Langford as Emma Cunningham
• Amy Poehler as Lisa Carter

Director
Amy Poehler

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Wine Country (2019)

Producer
Amy Poehler, Kim Lessing, Morgan Sackett, David Hyman

Writer
Tamara Chestna, Dylan Meyer (based on the novel Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu)

Budget
Estimated $20 million

Production Company
Paper Kite Productions, Netflix

Running Time
111 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13 (for thematic elements, strong language, sexual harassment, and some teen drinking)

Content Advisory

• Themes of feminism and activism
• Sexual harassment and gender inequality
• Strong language
• Teen drinking and social issues

Movie Story
Moxie follows the story of Vivian Carter (Hadley Robinson), a shy 16-year-old high school student who feels fed up with the toxic culture at her school, particularly the casual sexism, harassment, and double standards that the girls face on a daily basis. Inspired by her mother Lisa’s (Amy Poehler) rebellious past and the new girl at school, Lucy (Alycia Pascual-Peña), who refuses to stay silent, Vivian decides to take a stand.

Vivian anonymously publishes a zine called “Moxie,” which calls out the unfair treatment of female students and encourages her peers to speak out against the injustices they face. The zine quickly gains traction, sparking a movement within the school as more girls (and some boys) join the fight for equality and respect. As the Moxie movement grows, it challenges the status quo, but it also brings unexpected consequences, both positive and negative, for Vivian and her friends.

Through her activism, Vivian learns about the power of her voice, the importance of solidarity, and the complexities of standing up for what is right. The film explores themes of feminism, intersectionality, and the challenges of effecting social change in a high school setting. Moxie combines humor, heart, and a message of empowerment, making it a relevant and inspiring film for young audiences.

Special Effects
Moxie is a character-driven film with minimal use of special effects. The focus is on the performances, dialogue, and the dynamics between the characters, particularly the ways in which they navigate the social and political issues at their school. The film’s visual style is straightforward and naturalistic, with an emphasis on creating a realistic portrayal of high school life. The zine itself, “Moxie,” is a key visual element, with its bold, DIY aesthetic reflecting the spirit of rebellion and creativity that drives the story.

Box Office Performance
Moxie was released exclusively on Netflix, bypassing a traditional box office release. While Netflix does not typically disclose detailed viewership numbers, the film was well-received by audiences and gained attention for its timely themes and strong performances. The film became particularly popular among younger viewers and fans of coming-of-age stories.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “It’s time to make some noise!” – Vivian Carter
• “Why did you start Moxie? Because of you.” – Vivian Carter to Lucy
• “The way things have always been done isn’t the way they have to be.” – Lisa Carter

Behind-the-Scenes

• Moxie is based on the 2015 novel of the same name by Jennifer Mathieu, which was praised for its exploration of feminism and activism in a high school setting.
• Amy Poehler, known for her work in comedy, took on the dual role of director and actress, bringing her signature blend of humor and heart to the film.
• The film features a diverse cast and addresses issues of intersectionality, highlighting the different experiences and challenges faced by students from various backgrounds.

Awards

• None, but the film received positive reviews for its themes, performances, and relevance in the context of contemporary social movements.

Final Verdict
Moxie is a lively and empowering coming-of-age film that speaks to the importance of standing up for what’s right and challenging the status quo. With strong performances from its young cast and a thoughtful exploration of feminism and activism, the film resonates with its message of empowerment and solidarity. Amy Poehler’s direction balances humor and drama, making Moxie both an entertaining and inspiring watch. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in stories about social justice, youth activism, and the power of collective action.

IMDb Rating
6.7/10