The high school social ladder is a timeless battleground, a place where visibility can feel like survival. For lifelong best friends Susie Quinn and Bobby Roberts, they exist firmly on the fringes, observing the popular kids from a safe distance.
Their ambition is simple: to finally be seen by joining the school’s reigning clique, the “Pop Girls.” Their method, however, is purely a product of the modern age. They devise a scheme to short-circuit the system and gain instant fame through social media. This light-hearted comedy sets its stage with the absurd and often painful quest to fit in, one calculated click at a time.
A Dynamic Duo
The film is anchored by the authentic and believable friendship between its two leads. The chemistry between Susie and Bobby provides the story’s emotional core, making their sometimes questionable escapades feel grounded and their interactions a genuine pleasure to watch.
Their bond feels so natural that the script’s required third-act conflict between them comes across as forced, a weak point in a narrative otherwise held together by their connection. Ruby Rose Turner gives Susie a relatable mix of insecurity and fierce determination. Her quest for popularity is not just abstract; it is tied to a desire to be noticed by the coolest IT kid in school.
Turner’s talent for physical comedy, from an awkward dance reminiscent of Elaine from Seinfeld to ill-timed gaffes, makes the character exceptionally endearing. Her sharp facial expressions capture the highs and lows of the teenage experience with a unique and wacky energy.
Opposite her, Reid Miller offers a warm and distinctive performance as Bobby, a boy with a love for political references and Dorothy’s ruby slippers. Miller’s portrayal is grounded and full of heart, making Bobby’s campy sensibilities and unique worldview feel completely authentic.
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He filters his understanding of social dynamics through recent political history, a quirky trait that makes his character singular. The film handles Bobby’s LGBTQIA2S+ identity with a welcome subtlety; it is presented simply as a part of who he is, a welcome approach that avoids making it a source of melodrama. The strength of these two performances, both individually and together, keeps the audience invested throughout their journey.
A Modern Lens on a Familiar Story
Director Nayip Ramos injects the film with a distinct visual energy that sets it apart from more conventional teen comedies. The style is playful and often satirical, using quick cuts, a heightened color palette, and stylized montages that feel inspired by music videos.
This approach complements the film’s focus on the superficial world of social media. Certain sequences, such as the school’s CPTV broadcast or moments where Susie breaks the fourth wall, utilize a motion-smoothed look to enhance a feeling of unreality. The integration of TikTok and the central plot point of “buying followers,” while perhaps a bit dated as a reference, effectively explores the modern obsession with clout-chasing and the hollowness of manufactured fame.
The film’s humor is broad, containing some cringe-edged jokes and out-of-step slang that effectively establish why the main characters are uncool. Some gags are surprisingly questionable, creating moments that are both hilarious and uncomfortable. The soundtrack contributes to a nostalgic atmosphere, with needle-drops that evoke teen films from the late 1990s and early 2000s, an interesting choice for a story so focused on Gen-Z.
While the story follows a recognizable path, it appears aware of its conventions. One character makes a meta-comment, “When have you ever known a group of FOUR popular girls,” but this awareness rarely leads to subversion. The film often plays into genre tropes directly, choosing sincerity over a deeper critique for its comedic and dramatic beats.
Supporting Players and the Authentic Payoff
The supporting cast helps shape the film’s world, though with mixed results. Isabella Ferreira plays Renee Lalita, a member of the “Pop Girls” who develops a conscience. Ferreira brings a quiet poise to the role, giving depth to a character whose motivations are thin. Her change of heart is presented as a result of an unrequited crush, a point that is told more than shown, making her decision to mentor Susie and Bobby feel more like a sudden flip of a switch than a gradual realization.
As the primary antagonist Vicki Reinhard, Ellodee Carpenter is cartoonishly villainous and full of energy. She leans into the exaggeration of a queen bee, yet the character lacks the layered menace or believable cruelty to become a truly memorable villain. Her eventual downfall feels hollow because she never seemed truly powerful. A late-film hint about her chasing her mother’s dreams comes too late to add complexity.
Additional comedic high points are provided by Arden Myrin and Kathleen Rose Perkins, who portray the characters’ mothers. Their intense, psycho-petty rivalry provides some of the film’s biggest laughs, showing that the pressures to maintain social status are not limited to teenagers.
These roles all serve the film’s central message: genuine friendship is more valuable than performative popularity. The story shows that self-acceptance is the real prize. Almost Popular is a sincere and charming comedy that succeeds through its heartfelt performances and energetic style.
The film Almost Popular premiered at Dances With Films on June 22, 2024, and had a theatrical release in select AMC Theatres on August 28, 2025. It is a coming-of-age comedy about two students, Susie Quinn and Bobby Roberts, who try to join a popular girl group at their school. The film is also available for purchase or rent on video on demand services.
Full Credits
Director: Nayip Ramos
Writers: Pamela Duffy-Little, Eleni Rivera
Producers: Pamela Duffy-Little, Michael Mendelsohn, Grace Santos
Cast: Ruby Rose Turner, Reid Miller, Isabella Ferreira, Ellodee Carpenter, Arden Myrin, Kathleen Rose Perkins, Elijah M. Cooper, Avi Angel
Director of Photography: Ava Rikki
Editors: Jennifer Chung
Composer: Demitri Lerios
The Review
Almost Popular
Almost Popular is a heartfelt and energetic teen comedy that succeeds on the strength of its two leads. The genuine chemistry between Ruby Rose Turner and Reid Miller anchors a story that, while treading familiar ground, delivers a sincere message about friendship and authenticity. Its stylized direction and light-hearted humor make for an enjoyable watch, even if its supporting characters feel underdeveloped and its plot follows a predictable path. It is a charming film that may not be original, but it has more than enough heart to win audiences over.
PROS
- Excellent chemistry between the lead actors, Ruby Rose Turner and Reid Miller.
- Sincere, heartfelt message about friendship and self-acceptance.
- Energetic and stylized direction with a playful visual style.
- Strong, endearing performances from the two main characters.
- Genuinely funny comedic moments, particularly from the supporting adult cast.
CONS
- The plot is highly derivative of other teen comedies.
- Key supporting characters, including the antagonist, lack depth and development.
- The central conflict between the two friends feels forced and unnatural.
- Some social media references and jokes feel a bit dated or awkward.
