Introduction:
High school party films have a certain ring to it. They promise a chaotic mix of humor, awkwardness, and moments of unexpected clarity—a perfect mix of teenage emotions served with a side of nostalgia for those who have long since graduated. Netflix’s “Incoming” aims to capture this familiar blend, inviting viewers into the wonderful time of a freshman’s first high school party. But while the film tries to bottle the excitement and chaos of such an event, it ultimately falls short of delivering a truly memorable experience.
The Plot: A Familiar Journey
At its core, “Incoming” follows the story of four freshmen navigating their first high school party. The premise is simple and familiar—almost too familiar. We have the awkward kid nursing a crush, the party-goer desperate to impress his older brother, and the two outsiders who find themselves at the party by accident. The film sets up these classic high school archetypes, promising a journey that every teenager and former teenager can relate to. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that “Incoming” is content with following a well familiar path, offering little in the way of surprises or twists.
Character Archetypes: Playing It Safe
One of the film’s most significant shortcomings is its reliance on character archetypes that we’ve seen time and again. The awkward kid with a crush is endearing, but his journey feels predictable. The party-goer trying to gain his older brother’s approval has a few moments of depth, but these are fleeting. The two outsiders offer some comic relief, but their accidental adventure lacks the novelty that could have set the film apart.
While these characters are relatable, their development is shallow. The film leans heavily on stereotypes, making it difficult for viewers to become truly invested in their stories. The result is a cast of characters that, while serviceable, fails to leave a lasting impression.
Execution: Predictable and Safe
In many ways, “Incoming” plays it too safe. The storyline, while easy to follow, lacks the kind of unexpected twists that can elevate a teen comedy from forgettable to memorable. When compared to other films in the genre—like “Superbad” or “American Pie”—”Incoming” falls short. Those films thrived on their ability to surprise and subvert expectations, while “Incoming” seems content to coast along, hitting familiar beats without taking any risks.
The film’s execution feels almost formulaic, as if the creators were ticking off boxes on a checklist of what a teen comedy should include. There’s the awkward first kiss, the embarrassing dance floor moment, and the inevitable realization that high school parties aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. While these moments might elicit a chuckle or two, they don’t add up to a cohesive, engaging narrative.
Acting and Dialogue: A Mixed Bag
The young cast of “Incoming” does their best with the material they’ve been given, and there are moments where their performances shine. However, these moments are often overshadowed by dialogue that feels cheesy and forced. The film relies heavily on stereotypical teen lingo and predictable punchlines, which can make the conversations feel more like rehearsed skits than genuine interactions.
That said, there are instances where the actors manage to break through the clunky dialogue, delivering lines with a sincerity that hints at their potential. Unfortunately, these flashes of talent are not enough to carry the film, and the overall effect is one of missed opportunities.
Humor: Where It Hits and Misses
Humor is a critical component of any teen comedy, and “Incoming” certainly tries to deliver. There are a few genuinely funny moments in the film—scenes that capture the awkwardness and absurdity of high school life with a deft touch. However, these moments are few and far between, and the humor often falls flat.
The film leans heavily on juvenile jokes, which may appeal to a younger audience but can feel one-dimensional to anyone who’s seen a few teen comedies before. While the humor isn’t entirely devoid of charm, it lacks the wit and originality that could have set “Incoming” apart from the crowd.
Cinematography and Direction: Nothing New
Visually, “Incoming” is competent but unremarkable. The cinematography is functional, capturing the chaos of the party without adding much in the way of visual flair. The direction is similarly straightforward, with few risks taken in terms of style or storytelling.
This lack of innovation in the film’s visual approach contributes to its overall sense of safeness. There’s nothing inherently wrong with playing it safe, but in a genre that’s produced some truly memorable films, “Incoming” fails to make a lasting impression.
Soundtrack: A Missed Opportunity
Music is often the heartbeat of a teen comedy, setting the tone and amplifying the emotional beats of the story. Unfortunately, “Incoming’s” soundtrack is as forgettable as the film itself. The music choices are generic and do little to enhance the scenes they’re paired with.
Considering the importance of music in capturing the energy and emotion of a high school party, this feels like a significant missed opportunity. A more carefully curated soundtrack could have elevated the film, giving it a stronger sense of identity and helping to anchor key moments in the audience’s memory.
Themes: A Shallow Dive
“Incoming” touches on several classic coming-of-age themes, including the awkwardness of growing up, the desire for acceptance, and the thrill of new experiences. However, the film’s exploration of these themes is surface-level at best. While it nods to the challenges and triumphs of adolescence, it doesn’t delve deep enough to offer any new insights or perspectives.
This shallow engagement with its themes means that “Incoming” lacks the emotional resonance that defines the best coming-of-age stories. The film skims the surface of what could have been a rich, nuanced exploration of teenage life, leaving viewers with little to chew on once the credits roll.
Comparisons: Falling Short of Classics
When placed alongside teen comedy classics like “Superbad” and “American Pie,” “Incoming” struggles to hold its own. These films are beloved not just for their humor, but for their ability to capture the essence of teenage life with authenticity and heart. “Incoming,” by contrast, feels like a pale imitation—hitting some of the same notes, but without the same impact.
The difference lies in the details. “Superbad” and “American Pie” succeeded because they took risks, embraced their characters’ quirks, and weren’t afraid to push the boundaries of the genre. “Incoming,” on the other hand, sticks too closely to the formula, resulting in a film that’s more forgettable than funny.
Audience Reception: Mixed Reviews
Audience reception to “Incoming” has been mixed. Some viewers appreciate its light-hearted approach and nostalgic nods to high school life, while others find it lacking in originality and depth. Critic reviews echo these sentiments, often pointing out the film’s reliance on clichés and its failure to offer anything new to the genre.
For its target demographic—teenagers and young adults—”Incoming” might still hold some appeal. It’s an easy, breezy watch that doesn’t demand much from its audience. But for those looking for a more substantial or memorable experience, “Incoming” is likely to disappoint.
Why Some Might Still Enjoy It
Despite its flaws, “Incoming” isn’t without its charms. For younger audiences who haven’t yet been exposed to the many teen comedies that came before it, the film might still offer some laughs and a relatable portrayal of high school life. Its light-hearted, no-frills approach makes it an easy watch, particularly for those looking for something that doesn’t require much emotional investment.
Additionally, for those who enjoy revisiting the high school experience through film, “Incoming” might provide a brief, if shallow, trip down memory lane. While it doesn’t break new ground, it still captures some of the universal aspects of teenage life that can resonate with viewers of all ages.
The Film’s Legacy: Forgettable or Cult Classic?
As it stands, “Incoming” seems destined to be one of those Netflix originals that fades into obscurity shortly after its release. However, there’s always the possibility that it could gain a cult following in the years to come. Sometimes, films that initially receive lukewarm receptions find new life as audiences rediscover them and appreciate their quirks.
Whether “Incoming” will achieve this status remains to be seen. For now, it’s more likely to be remembered as a mediocre entry in the teen comedy genre—one that tried to capture the chaos and excitement of a high school party but ultimately fell short.
Conclusion: A Mediocre Attempt at Comedy
“Netflix’s Incoming” had the potential to be a standout in the teen comedy genre, but it fails to capitalize on that potential. With a predictable plot, shallow characters, and humor that rarely rises above the juvenile, the film offers little to distinguish itself from the countless other high school party films that have come before it.
While there are a few bright spots—such as the occasional funny moment and some solid performances from the young cast—these are not enough to save the film from mediocrity. For those looking for a laugh-out-loud experience, it might be better to revisit classics like “Superbad” or “American Pie” instead.
Hey You May Also Like This