Spontaneous

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 2, 2020

Genre
Romance, Comedy, Sci-Fi

Cast & Crew

• Katherine Langford as Mara Carlyle
• Charlie Plummer as Dylan Hovemeyer
• Hayley Law as Tess McNulty
• Piper Perabo as Angela Carlyle
• Rob Huebel as Charlie Carlyle
• Yvonne Orji as Agent Rosetti

Director
Brian Duffield

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Love and Monsters (2020) (Writer)
• The Babysitter (2017) (Writer)

Producer
Nicki Cortese, Brian Duffield, Matt Kaplan

Writer
Brian Duffield (Screenplay), based on the novel Spontaneous by Aaron Starmer

Budget
$5 million (estimated)

Production Company
Awesomeness Films, Jurassic Party Productions, Paramount Pictures

Running Time
101 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Graphic violence
• Drug and alcohol use
• Sexual content

Movie Story
Spontaneous is a unique blend of romance, comedy, and sci-fi that takes the “coming-of-age” genre to explosive new heights—literally. The story centers around Mara Carlyle, a high school senior whose life is turned upside down when her classmates start spontaneously combusting for no apparent reason. In the midst of this bizarre and terrifying phenomenon, Mara must navigate her final year of high school while grappling with the sudden and unpredictable deaths happening around her.

As the spontaneous explosions continue, Mara forms a bond with Dylan Hovemeyer, a fellow student who has admired her from afar. Their budding romance becomes a central part of the story, providing moments of warmth and humor amid the chaos. Together, they confront the uncertainty of their situation, trying to make sense of a world where life can end in an instant.

Spontaneous explores themes of mortality, love, and the unpredictability of life with a sharp wit and dark humor. Mara’s sardonic outlook on life, coupled with her deep fear of what might happen next, makes her a relatable and engaging protagonist. The film doesn’t shy away from the grim reality of its premise but balances it with moments of genuine emotion and comedy, making it both a poignant and entertaining watch.

The film is also a commentary on the fears and anxieties of today’s youth, addressing the pressures they face and the ways they cope with an increasingly uncertain world. As Mara and Dylan’s relationship develops, the film delves into the importance of living in the moment and finding joy, even when everything around you is falling apart.

Special Effects
The special effects in Spontaneous are both shocking and effective, particularly in the scenes of spontaneous combustion, which are sudden, bloody, and jarring. The explosions are portrayed with a mix of practical effects and CGI, creating a visceral impact that underscores the film’s dark humor and unpredictable tone.

Box Office Performance
Spontaneous had a limited theatrical release and was simultaneously released on digital platforms. It gained a cult following for its original premise and strong performances, particularly Katherine Langford’s portrayal of Mara. The film resonated with audiences who appreciated its unique blend of genres and its timely themes.

Filming Locations

• Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “You never know when someone’s going to pop, so you might as well enjoy the ride.” – Mara Carlyle
• “You don’t get to choose the ones you lose, but you can choose the ones you keep.” – Dylan Hovemeyer

Behind-the-Scenes
Spontaneous is based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Aaron Starmer. Brian Duffield, who wrote and directed the film, wanted to capture the book’s mix of horror, humor, and heart. The film’s darkly comedic tone was a deliberate choice to reflect the absurdity and unpredictability of life, especially from the perspective of teenagers facing an uncertain future.

Awards

• Nominated for Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Movie at the 2021 Critics’ Choice Super Awards
• Nominated for Best First Feature at the 2021 Independent Spirit Awards

Final Verdict
Spontaneous is a refreshingly original film that successfully blends romance, comedy, and sci-fi with a dash of horror. Katherine Langford’s performance as Mara is both heartfelt and hilarious, anchoring the film’s wild premise with a relatable and engaging character. The film’s exploration of life’s unpredictability and the importance of seizing the moment makes it a standout in the coming-of-age genre. It’s a must-watch for those looking for something different, thought-provoking, and entertaining.

IMDb Rating
6.5/10