A coming of age film with a fun throwback to Y2K makes for a light hearted movie night in. I think moms and daughters will especially enjoy this one from Netflix, Mixtape is now streaming. I sat down with the stars of the film to talk about their roles, and what young girls can learn from the movie.
On the eve of Y2K, orphaned, awkward 12-year-old Beverly Moody (Gemma Brooke Allen) discovers a broken mixtape crafted by her teen parents who died in a car accident when she was a baby. Raised by her grandmother Gail (Julie Bowen), a former teen mom herself who finds it painful to speak about her late daughter, Beverly sees this mixtape as a chance to finally learn more about her parents. So she sets out on a journey to find all the songs on the tape. Along the way, she makes friends with her quirky neighbor, Ellen (Audrey Hsieh); intimidatingly tough, Nicky (Olga Petsa); and Anti (Nick Thune), an anti-everything record store owner who’s the key to finding these tracks, and a renewed bond between Gail and Beverly.
As someone having lived through the 90’s I love this throwback and all of the nostalgic references. I definitely made a few mixed tapes and enjoyed them on my walk-man. I love how the film shared that mixed tapes are a message from the maker. That is so true. Watch my interview below to see what would be on Julie Bowen & Gemma Brooke Allen.
Interview with Julie Bowen & Gemma Brooke Allen
Director, Valerie Weiss shares “As a mother of two girls at the precipice of child and adulthood, I felt compelled to direct this story of a 12-year old girl trying to find her identity through music, friendship and connection with her young grandmother who is raising her. I knew it was a chance to make a timeless film showcasing the world the way I want my own two daughters and their friends to see it. One that reflects the values they need to make it a better place while celebrating kick-ass music, cool 90’s nostalgia, while forging their own identities. A movie that teaches them that nothing is irreparably lost if we can find the courage to connect again. ”
OFFICIAL SPOTIFY PLAYLIST
To listen to the Official Spotify Playlist, please click here
SONGS FEATURED ON The Kim ❤️’s Zack Mix “New Beginnings”
1. Getting Nowhere Fast by Girls At Our Best
2. Linda Linda by The Blue Hearts
3. Better Things by The Kinks
4. I Got a Right by Iggy and the Stooges
5. Teachers Pet by The Quick
6. The Song That Reminds Me of The Day On The Hill
Watch Mixtape Streaming on Netflix Now!
