Incoming, the much-anticipated R-rated comedy, is set to premiere on Netflix on August 23. Directed by Dave and John Chernin, this new movie recaptures the appeal of high school comedies evocative of the early 2000s, a period when R-rated movies like American Pie ruled the screens.
Celebrated for their work on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the Chernin brothers have poured their own experiences and long-held ideas into this film to create a fresh comedy that promises nostalgia as well.
Incoming revolves around a group of four high school freshmen who attend their first high school party, a seemingly trivial event that quickly escalates into an unforgettable night of chaos and laughter.
Drawing from their teenage memories, particularly a wild party thrown by their neighbor, the Chernins crafted a storyline that resonates with anyone who’s ever navigated the turbulent waters of adolescence. The film’s plot is straightforward yet packed with the kind of humor and mischief that only high school life can offer.
As the Chernin brothers distance themselves from their teenage years, they felt a pressing need to finally turn their decades-old notes into a high school comedy, a genre they’ve long admired.
In an interview with Netflix Tudum on July 23, 2024, John Chernin shared,
"I remember me and Dave sitting by a window with the lights off just looking into the backyard at this raging high school house party next door thinking that is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen."
To second John, Dave Chernin added,
"We always wanted to write a high school movie. So for 15-plus years we’ve been kicking around the idea of a high school movie, and there were just little moments that we always had written in notepads."
R-rated comedies were losing appeal in mainstream movies, but they felt audiences still harbored a place for such movies. Their response to that is a movie that not only embodies the young but also reminds us of the need for laughter in every generation.
Plot overview of Incoming
Incoming follows the journey of four freshmen—Benj, Hugo, Sam, and Caden—who find themselves thrust into the adult world during their first high school party. What begins as a normal teenage gathering soon turns into a night full of surprising difficulties, embarrassing situations, and hilarious mistakes.
Without contemporary distractions like cellphones, the movie adopts a timeless aspect and emphasizes on the unvarnished teenage experiences.
The night unfolds with a series of events that test the boys' friendships, identities, and understanding of the world around them. From mistaken Ubers to unexpected guests, the Chernin brothers have meticulously pieced together moments from their teenage years to create a story that feels both authentic and comically exaggerated.
The party becomes a rite of passage for the characters, a chaotic yet formative experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on them and the audience.
Meet the cast: Fresh faces and familiar names
Incoming's cast combines seasoned actors with up-and-coming talent to provide the movie with diversity and depth. Leading the cast is Benj, played by Mason Thames, a sincere freshman negotiating the complexities of high school life. Thames is known for his performance in The Black Phone. Along with him are Bardia Seiri, Raphael Alejandro, Isabella Ferreira, and Ramon Reed, who each offer the movie their own appeal and humor.
Loren Gray, a TikTok sensation, makes her film debut as the cool and aloof girl every high school has.
For fans of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Kaitlin Olson's role as Benj's mother is a treat. She adds a layer of humor to a fairly straightforward character. Bobby Cannavale also makes an appearance, further elevating the film's star power.
Incoming's homage to a bygone period of early 2000s teenage comedies is among its most arresting features. The lack of cell phones and the emphasis on in-person interactions evoke nostalgia. The film gains authenticity from the Chernins' choice to feature real teenagers in teenage roles instead of older performers, so enabling the audience to totally engage themselves in the narrative.
Comedy meets chaos
As the night progresses, the party descends into uncontrolled chaos, with each character facing their own mini-crisis. From the awkward first kiss to the unavoidable run-ins with authority figures, Incoming captures the core of high school life in all its messy glory. The Chernin brothers make sure the movie appeals to both teenagers and adults by deftly juggling comedy with sincere feelings.
On August 23, Incoming is scheduled to hit Netflix and send a tsunami of nostalgia and laughter. This movie will appeal to those who have missed the unvarnished, honest humor of R-rated comedies. The Chernins have created a comedy that will be remembered long after the credits roll since they provide entertainment value and catch the universal experience of growing up.