Heathers (1988) (Directed by Michael Lehmann and Written by Daniel Waters)

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Winona Ryder and Christian Slater held equal parts of my heart by the time I watched this movie. Winona from Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands and Christian from Pump Up The Volume. I was maybe 10 when I watched this for the first time. It held my heart immediately.

It's important to note that there was very little censorship in my household when it came to media and I was watching rated-r things by the time I entered elementary school. My favorite movie in 1st grade was The Long Kiss Goodnight. Matrix was #2.

All of this is to say that I was CAPTIVATED by Heathers. I already knew how mean kids could be. Teens included. I had older sisters. I loved sharp cutting language - I loved swears being used effectively - I love when people want to play around with language and take risks. F*ck Me With A Chainsaw is ICONIC and ahead of its time. Dear Diary, My Teenage Angst Bullsh*t has a Body Count is ICONIC. I Love My Dead Gay Son still brings me so much joy.

Slurpees at 7/11 and fitting in without actually fitting in, and sh*tty friends and sh*tty parents and not saying yes but also not really saying no or saying both yes and no at the same time. Quintessential viewing.