The Art of Getting By

Synopsis

The Art of Getting By is a coming-of-age drama that follows George, a disenchanted high school senior portrayed by Freddie Highmore, who has mastered the art of doing the bare minimum. Living in New York City, George struggles with the pressure of impending adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it, including his lack of ambition and failure to complete his assignments. When he becomes enamored with the free-spirited Sally (Emma Roberts), his outlook on life begins to shift. Through their budding friendship, George grapples with existential questions about love, ambition, and the future, ultimately discovering that more than just grades define who you are. The film encapsulates the complexities of youth, the fear of failure, and the beauty of connection during those turbulent formative years.

Cast

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  Freddie Highmore

  George Zinavoy

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  Emma Roberts

  Sally Howe

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  Michael Angarano

  Dustin

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  Elizabeth Reaser

  Charlotte Howe

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  Alicia Silverstone

  Ms. Herman

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  Sasha Spielberg

  Zoe

Reviews

The Art of Getting By received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a low approval rating of 20%, indicating that many viewers were disappointed with its execution. The critics highlighted the film's struggles with pacing and its clichéd moments typical of teen dramas. For instance, a review from The New York Times mentioned, "The film feels as if it is straining to find a heartbeat, only for it to fall flat and struggle with its lack of direction." In contrast, some viewers appreciated Freddie Highmore’s performance, with The Hollywood Reporter stating, "Highmore brings a rawness to the character of George that is both relatable and tender." On IMDb, the film received a more favorable score of 6.5/10, suggesting a portion of the audience found value in its storytelling. However, Metacritic reflects a dismal score of 36/100, listing multiple critiques that emphasize its failure to fully engage the audience. As a whole, while the film has its moments of charm, it has been critiqued for not sufficiently resonating with its viewer base.