Mean Girls Goes Bros: Netflix’s ‘Incoming’ Turns High School House Party into a Hilariously Risqué Superbad Adventure for Gen Z! Friday 23 August, 2024
Are We Really Bringing Back Teen Comedies? Netflix’s ‘Incoming’ Says Yes!
Ah, the classic teen party movie—a genre as reliable as your favorite pizza joint on a Friday night. Netflix is back at it with their latest teen comedy, ‘Incoming,’ and guess what? It’s yet another film set against the backdrop of a wild house party! Because, apparently, no one can resist the temptation of a raucous gathering of awkward teens and questionable decisions.
Teen party flicks have been a staple since the iconic Animal House (1978) laid the groundwork. Fast forward to the ’90s, where we were blessed with a treasure trove of high school house parties in movies like House Party (1990), She’s All That (1999), Can’t Hardly Wait (1998), 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), and Clueless (1995). Ah, the ’90s—a simpler time with no smartphones, no social media, and fashion choices that still make us cringe (or laugh) decades later.
Then came the 2000s, bringing us two teen cult classics: Mean Girls (2004) and Superbad (2007). These films set the bar high, and it’s clear that ‘Incoming’ is aiming to capture that same magic for today’s Gen Z audience. Sure, Project X (2012) went overboard with its outrageous antics, but ‘Incoming‘ seems to take a more responsible approach to the teenage debauchery—thankfully steering clear of the “what not to do” guide that Project X inadvertently provided.
So, what’s the premise of ‘Incoming‘? We follow four misfit teens—Benji (Mason Thames), Connor (Raphael Alejandro), Koosh (Bardia Seiri), and Eddie (Ramon Reed)—who dive headfirst into their freshman year with a bang (literally) at a house party on the very first week of school. Talk about a crash course in high school social dynamics!
Benji, our rom-com hero, just wants to win over his crush, who happens to be his sister’s best friend. Unlike the typical teen movie formula, he’s not focused on being a creep or just looking for a hookup. Instead, he’s genuinely after a serious relationship. The twist? Beside his crush being his sister’s best friend, there’s a year age gap between them. We all know how high school dynamics can be—one year feels like a lifetime, and Bailey, being a sophomore, is hesitant about dating a freshman. Or is she?
What makes this film stand out from previous teen movies is its focus on two black characters—yes, two black teen guys with speaking roles!—who break away from the typical token or jock stereotypes often found in predominantly white high schools. One of the central characters, Eddie (Ramon Reed), is reminiscent of a modern-day Urkel; he’s a smart, good-hearted kid with excellent grades and strong morals. Alongside him is Cool Jeff (Devon Weetly), who plays a significant role in the party scene without falling into clichés. Cool Jeff isn’t just a token character or the stereotypical popular black guy; he has a prominent presence at the house party and isn’t relegated to teaching the white kids how to dance. This film is one of the first to showcase black teen characters who defy typical monolithic roles, offering a refreshing perspective and a different kind of influence.
Koosh (Bardia Seiri) offers a fresh take on the familiar trope of the richest kid in school but is actually an outcast. His older brother, who shares his name, refuses to let him gain popularity simply due to their wealth, insisting that Koosh must earn it, often through tough love that borders on abusive. In the film, Koosh embodies the over-the-top, eager character trying hard to fit in and lose his virginity for social status. While he comes off as an annoying brother who tries too hard, he also leverages his affluence to attract the ladies. Notably, Koosh is Middle Eastern, providing a refreshing alternative to the typical portrayal of wealthy kids in teen comedies and adding to the film’s inclusivity in a genre often dominated by white characters.
And let’s not forget Connor (Raphael Alejandro), who earns the nickname “Fetus” on his first day of high school thanks to his baby face. Transitioning from middle school to high school is tough for him, especially since he hasn’t hit all the puberty milestones yet. Connor’s goal is to prove he’s more than just a baby face, which is why he’s eager to attend the party!
This film delivers a hilarious blend of relatable moments, from cringe-worthy drug deals to a cool teacher reminiscing about their glory days. You’ll find the stereotypical popular girl, but with a messy, Regina George-style blowout gone wrong. With hidden cameras capturing all the chaos, plenty of drinking, and the ever-present peer pressure antics, this is a teen comedy that knows how to keep you entertained. And, of course, what would it be without that long-awaited “kiss me” moment that everyone’s been waiting for?
What sets ‘Incoming‘ apart is its surprisingly nostalgic vibe. While it’s definitely aimed at Gen Z, it doesn’t drown in TikTok trends or endless social media references; instead, it feels like a throwback to the ’90s and 2000s, where party-goers actually interacted without a phone glued to their hands. There’s even a moment where cell phones lose signal—plot twist!
With its raunchy humor and relatable characters, Netflix’s Incoming is a riotous ride that’s definitely rated R for a reason. It’s the perfect movie to binge-watch as school kicks off again. Incoming will redefine the term “fresh meat”—but will answer the question to who invited these freshmen to the party?
Netflix’s Incoming: Get Ready to Party Like It’s Your Freshman Year—Streaming August 23!
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Ah, the classic teen party movie—a genre as reliable as your favorite pizza joint on a Friday night. Netflix is back at it with their latest teen comedy, ‘Incoming,’ and guess what? It’s yet another film set against the backdrop of a wild house party! Because, apparently, no one can resist the temptation of a raucous gathering of awkward teens and questionable decisions.
So, what’s the premise of ‘Incoming‘? We follow four misfit teens—Benji (Mason Thames), Connor (Raphael Alejandro), Koosh (Bardia Seiri), and Eddie (Ramon Reed)—who dive headfirst into their freshman year with a bang (literally) at a house party on the very first week of school. Talk about a crash course in high school social dynamics!
Benji, our rom-com hero, just wants to win over his crush, who happens to be his sister’s best friend. Unlike the typical teen movie formula, he’s not focused on being a creep or just looking for a hookup. Instead, he’s genuinely after a serious relationship. The twist? Beside his crush being his sister’s best friend, there’s a year age gap between them. We all know how high school dynamics can be—one year feels like a lifetime, and Bailey, being a sophomore, is hesitant about dating a freshman. Or is she?
What makes this film stand out from previous teen movies is its focus on two black characters—yes, two black teen guys with speaking roles!—who break away from the typical token or jock stereotypes often found in predominantly white high schools. One of the central characters, Eddie (Ramon Reed), is reminiscent of a modern-day Urkel; he’s a smart, good-hearted kid with excellent grades and strong morals. Alongside him is Cool Jeff (Devon Weetly), who plays a significant role in the party scene without falling into clichés. Cool Jeff isn’t just a token character or the stereotypical popular black guy; he has a prominent presence at the house party and isn’t relegated to teaching the white kids how to dance. This film is one of the first to showcase black teen characters who defy typical monolithic roles, offering a refreshing perspective and a different kind of influence.
Koosh (Bardia Seiri) offers a fresh take on the familiar trope of the richest kid in school but is actually an outcast. His older brother, who shares his name, refuses to let him gain popularity simply due to their wealth, insisting that Koosh must earn it, often through tough love that borders on abusive. In the film, Koosh embodies the over-the-top, eager character trying hard to fit in and lose his virginity for social status. While he comes off as an annoying brother who tries too hard, he also leverages his affluence to attract the ladies. Notably, Koosh is Middle Eastern, providing a refreshing alternative to the typical portrayal of wealthy kids in teen comedies and adding to the film’s inclusivity in a genre often dominated by white characters.
And let’s not forget Connor (Raphael Alejandro), who earns the nickname “Fetus” on his first day of high school thanks to his baby face. Transitioning from middle school to high school is tough for him, especially since he hasn’t hit all the puberty milestones yet. Connor’s goal is to prove he’s more than just a baby face, which is why he’s eager to attend the party!
This film delivers a hilarious blend of relatable moments, from cringe-worthy drug deals to a cool teacher reminiscing about their glory days. You’ll find the stereotypical popular girl, but with a messy, Regina George-style blowout gone wrong. With hidden cameras capturing all the chaos, plenty of drinking, and the ever-present peer pressure antics, this is a teen comedy that knows how to keep you entertained. And, of course, what would it be without that long-awaited “kiss me” moment that everyone’s been waiting for?
What sets ‘Incoming‘ apart is its surprisingly nostalgic vibe. While it’s definitely aimed at Gen Z, it doesn’t drown in TikTok trends or endless social media references; instead, it feels like a throwback to the ’90s and 2000s, where party-goers actually interacted without a phone glued to their hands. There’s even a moment where cell phones lose signal—plot twist!
With its raunchy humor and relatable characters, Netflix’s Incoming is a riotous ride that’s definitely rated R for a reason. It’s the perfect movie to binge-watch as school kicks off again. Incoming will redefine the term “fresh meat”—but will answer the question to who invited these freshmen to the party?
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