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“Turtles All the Way Down” Plot Summary
“Turtles All the Way Down” is another YA romance in a long line of them. Based on John Green’s book of the same name, this MAX streaming movie is harmless and coasts on the chemistry of Isabela Merced and Cree together. But the romance, drama, and fun in “Turtles All the Way Down” feel like a product already past its expiration date.
We’re first introduced to the apathetic inner thoughts of Aza Holmes (Isabella Merced), as she’s fixated on the microbes within her body instead of enjoying a moment. After the loss of her father, Aza spends her days fighting dark thoughts of being constantly sick. “You’re just a glorified bacterial colony,” she tells herself. Despite her best friend Daisy (Cree) and her mom’s (Judy Reyes) support and care, Aza still feels alone in managing her grief and mental illness.
When Daisy suggests they reach out to one of Aza’s childhood crushes, Aza is hesitant but curious. This crush, Davis (Felix Mallard), is the son of a billionaire who went missing. To help find Davis’ father and console him, Ava reconnects with Davis, and the two immediately become attracted to each other. Aza is excited yet frightened by the possibilities of love. As she goes on new adventures and explores new feelings, tensions in her relationships with Daisy and her mom grow. Can Daisy be happy, or is she doomed by her own doubts and spirals?
“Turtles All the Way Down” is filled with the needle drops, tumblr quotes, and PG romance expected out of early 2010s movies. While it’s nice to see a family teen story about friendship and romance, the movie also lacks a memorable bite. I don’t know if teens and tweens today will relate, but the resulting product at the end of the 110 minutes feels thin. “Turtles All the Way Down” is most creative and charming when Aza is forced to confront herself and her friendship with Daisy, but the movie bites off more than it can chew with its romance.
Content Information
“Turtles All the Way Down” is rated PG-13 due to profanity, discussions of mental illness, and sexual references.
Other Noteworthy Information
- The phrase “turtles all the way down” refers to endless regression.
- Book author John Green has a cameo as a PE teacher.
“Turtles All the Way Down” General Information
| Director | Hannah Marks |
| Screenplay By | Elizabeth Berger and Isaac Aptaker |
| Based On Work By | John Green |
| Date Released | May 2, 2024 |
| How To Watch | Max |
| Genre(s) | Romance |
| Film Length | 1 Hour, 52 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Rated PG-13 |
| Noted Characters and Cast | |
| Aza Holmes | Isabela Merced |
| Daisy | Cree |
| Davis | Felix Mallard |
| Gina | Judy Reyes |
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Aza Holmes (Isabela Merced)
Aza is constantly overthinking, doomed to be a prisoner of her own mind, and has OCD. While her best friend and potential love interest give her moments of relief, Aza is filled with doubt about herself when she’s left alone.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Dora and the Lost City of Gold.”
Daisy (Cree)
Daisy is Aza’s best friend. Unlike Aza, Daisy is bright and adventurous, unafraid to take risks and help her friend out whenever needed.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Mr. Iglesias.”
Davis (Felix Mallard)
Davis was Aza’s childhood crush and the son of a missing billionaire. Aza and Davis previously met in a grief camp as children, but now as teens, they potentially see romance in each other.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Ginny and Georgia.”
Gina (Judy Reyes)
Gina is Aza’s somewhat lost but well-meaning mother. After the death of her father, Gina had to raise Aza alone. Concerned and caring to the point of suffocating her daughter, Gina just wants Aza to be okay.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Scrubs.”
Collected Quote(s)
“I like the way your brain works. It hums.”
“Turtles All the Way Down” Review
Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)
Let us know your thoughts in the comments:
- What did you think of “Turtles All the Way Down?” For those who have read the book, how does it compare?
Notable Performances or Moments
Isabela Merced and Cree Make Friendship Endearing and Complicated
The most heartbreaking and powerful scene in “Turtles All the Way Down” is a fight between Aza and Daisy. You feel years of repressed emotions spill out of Isabela Merced and Cree as they’re brutally honest with each other in ways that shatter the roots of a relationship. The two actors develop an intimacy and dynamic that’s common in stories about friendship and become the most compelling story in the movie.
Highlights
A Unique Representation of OCD
We hear Aza’s inner monologue as flashes of microbes colliding and growing interrupt her reality. The scenes are effectively jarring and necessary for us to see just how little agency Aza feels over her own life. I’m not sure if it’s an accurate representation of OCD, but director Hannah Marks escalates these scenes and slowly builds the tension with believable inner turmoil.
On The Fence
Montages and Dialogue Feel Dated
Just 10 years ago, Hollywood was trying to adapt any John Green novel they could get their hands on. “Turtles All the Way Down” feels nostalgic for that time and comes off as a late copycat to “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Paper Towns.” The dialogue and consistent music montages all represent a different time that may not represent how its core audience feels today.
The Missing Dad Subplot
In a movie that was already filled with enough subplots regarding Aza’s relationships, Davis’ missing father subplot consistently interrupted the flow of the movie and felt like it was coming from a different movie. The story may have more connection or resonance in the book but is misplaced in the movie.
Good If You Like
- YA romances
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