Capsule Review: Elle Fanning plays a reserved Polish-British teenager who gets her chance to escape poverty by entering an “American Idol”-esque TV competition in the entertaining if slight Teen Spirit. The drama marks the directorial debut of Max Minghella, best known for playing Nick in The Handmaid’s Tale.

Fanning is good as always, though the role isn’t exactly her most challenging; the movie is literally about a girl who can sing who gets the chance to sing and then gets the chance to win a competition that could lead to stardom. Minghella, who also wrote the film, struggles to evoke real conflict throughout the movie, let alone in Fanning’s character; there just isn’t a lot to sink your teeth into.

And yet, Teen Spirit is engaging, fast-paced dose of entertainment with a strong soundtrack and pretty aesthetics. Minghella has talent, even if this particular movie doesn’t make a strong statement as to why it should exist. Still, in the moment, Teen Spirit is a fun watch.

Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.