This time last year, director James Ponsoldt released Smashed, a feature focusing on the turbulent relationship between two young alcoholics, and it’s a theme he’s explored once again, this time in The Spectacular Now. However his latest offering is a far more polished and poignant piece of cinema.

Miles Teller plays Sutter, a confident, self-assured high school student who cares more about partying than he does about studying – never to be seen without his trusty hip flask. However his nonchalant philosophy towards life takes a dramatic change when he takes a liking to Aimee (Shailene Woodley), a far more innocent, and less popular classmate. Though initially he is trying to make his ex-girlfriend (Brie Larson) jealous, he soon develops feelings for his new crush, though his influence over her may just be more damaging that he’d like to believe.

Though going back a few years from his protagonists in Smashed,...