#REALITYHIGH (2017) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Released in 2017, #REALITYHIGH is a teen comedy-drama that explores the influence of social media on high school relationships and the pressures of fitting in. Directed by Fernando Lebrija, the film follows Dani Barnes, a socially awkward, academically driven teen who suddenly finds herself thrust into the glamorous yet shallow world of Instagram fame. Starring Nesta Cooper, Kate Walsh, and Keith Powers, #REALITYHIGH offers a fresh take on classic high school movie tropes while addressing the power and pitfalls of social media in the modern teen experience. In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, performances, and where to watch it online, with a focus on streaming services in the United States.
Plot Summary: Navigating High School Drama in the Age of Social Media
Dani Barnes (Nesta Cooper) is a smart, hard-working high school senior with a passion for animal welfare and dreams of attending UC Davis to become a veterinarian. However, she struggles to fit in socially, especially compared to her lifelong crush, Cameron Drake (Keith Powers), and his popular, Instagram-famous girlfriend, Alexa Medina (Alicia Sanz).
Things change dramatically when Alexa suddenly befriends Dani, pulling her into the glamorous, drama-filled world of social media influencers. Dani finds herself gaining popularity, new friends, and even a relationship with Cameron, but it all comes at a cost. As Dani’s online persona begins to take over her life, she starts to lose sight of what really matters—her true friends, her academic goals, and her authentic self.
The movie highlights the impact of social media on self-esteem, popularity, and personal identity, delivering its message through humor and familiar high school dynamics.
Nesta Cooper’s Breakout Performance
Nesta Cooper, in her breakout role as Dani, delivers a relatable and down-to-earth performance as the film’s protagonist. She portrays Dani with a mix of intelligence, vulnerability, and humor, making her a likable and engaging character. Cooper effectively captures the feeling of being an outsider in high school, while also showcasing Dani’s internal struggle as she grapples with the lure of popularity and social media fame.
Keith Powers as Cameron is charming and plays the role of the kind-hearted, popular guy with ease. His character serves as both Dani’s love interest and a representation of the typical high school “cool guy” who begins to see Dani for who she really is.
Kate Walsh, playing Dani’s quirky and slightly overbearing boss, provides some comic relief in the film. Her role as Dr. Fiona Shively, a dentist with an eccentric personality, adds a touch of lightheartedness to the movie’s more serious themes.
Alicia Sanz as Alexa Medina is the film’s main antagonist. She embodies the superficial, social-media-obsessed influencer archetype, and while her character falls into familiar mean-girl tropes, Sanz’s performance gives Alexa enough depth to make her more than just a one-dimensional villain.
Social Commentary on Social Media
While #REALITYHIGH is largely a light-hearted teen comedy, it also delivers a relevant message about the effects of social media on young people’s self-esteem and relationships. The film emphasizes how easy it is to get caught up in the curated perfection of Instagram and other platforms, where likes, followers, and comments become currency for popularity and validation.
Dani’s journey from an outsider to an online sensation reflects how social media can alter one’s sense of self. As she gains more followers, she starts to change her appearance and behavior, drifting further from her true passions and friendships. The film critiques the often superficial nature of online fame and highlights the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself.
The film also touches on themes of cyberbullying, peer pressure, and the struggle to balance real life with the digital world, making it relevant to today’s social media-driven culture.
Cinematography and Style
The film has a bright, colorful aesthetic that reflects its upbeat tone and high school setting. Director Fernando Lebrija keeps the pacing quick, with energetic editing that reflects the fast-paced nature of social media, from Instagram posts to YouTube videos. The movie’s visual style mirrors the curated, polished world that its characters inhabit, particularly Alexa’s influencer lifestyle.
The soundtrack is filled with catchy, contemporary pop songs that complement the film’s youthful vibe. From party scenes to emotional turning points, the music helps set the mood and appeal to its target teen audience.
Streaming Services: Where to Watch #REALITYHIGH Online
As of 2024, #REALITYHIGH is available on multiple platforms for streaming and rental. Here are the best ways to watch the movie in the United States.
Streaming Platforms
- Netflix
- #REALITYHIGH is a Netflix original film, which means it’s available exclusively on the platform. Subscribers can stream the movie directly from Netflix with no additional cost beyond the subscription. Netflix is the primary way to watch this film, as it is not available on other streaming services.
Rental and Purchase Options
Because #REALITYHIGH is a Netflix original, it is not available for rental or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, or iTunes. However, users who have a Netflix subscription can download the movie to watch offline on the Netflix app, making it accessible even without an internet connection.
Conclusion: A Fun, Modern Take on Teen Drama
#REALITYHIGH is a fun and entertaining film that updates the classic high school coming-of-age story for the age of social media. With a strong performance from Nesta Cooper and a relevant message about the dangers of chasing online validation, the film offers both laughs and insight into the pressures teens face today.
While it may not break new ground in the teen drama genre, it’s a solid choice for viewers looking for a light-hearted movie with a touch of social commentary. Streaming exclusively on Netflix, #REALITYHIGH is a great pick for a casual movie night or a binge-worthy addition to your Netflix queue.
