Words by: Ava Toon
Art by: Sophie Usatof

Growing up surrounded by mobile technology and the internet is something that distinguishes our generation from those before us, whether we like it or not. But like any other generation, we still have lives and interests outside of the internet. It’s getting tiring watching the same vapid portrayal of Gen Z based solely on TikTok without exploring interpretations of our generation in other forms of media. But despite our differences, there are some things that all generations can unite in. The tradition of going to the cinema hasn’t died, and young viewers are still searching for representation. With that in mind, here are four pieces of screen media that I think embody the culture of our generation in an original and meaningful way.

1: ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ (2022), dir. Halina Reijn

In ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’, Director Halina Reijn doesn’t shy away from making obvious references to our generation —this satirical movie is very on the nose. A group of rich teenagers stuck in a mansion lose their internet access, and naturally, chaos and gore follow. The storyline explores concepts and problems relevant to Gen Z, like the obsession with self-presentation and digital spaces, the role technology plays in our romantic relationships, and faux-activism and allyship. In a rendi – tion of our generation’s ‘Lord of the Flies’, the obnoxious yet relatable dialogue on-screen prompts the viewer to self-reflect on their own behaviours. The cadence of the way the characters speak exudes their desperate need to look cool, something that all of us have felt at least once as a teenagers.

“A podcast takes a lot of work, okay?”

2: ‘Talk to Me’ (2023), dir. Danny Philippou, Michael Philippou

In this contemporary Aussie horror, a group of teenage friends use a disembodied hand to become possessed for short periods of time, and what seems harmless quickly escalates. ‘Talk to Me’ has a believable, realistic cast of characters who represent everyday Australian teenagers. The production design and costumes are refreshingly normal. They’re not trying too hard, and they don’t feel like a forty-five-year-old finding internet buzzwords and putting a full SHEIN outfit on an actor to represent our generation. The Philippou brothers, partly due to their time on YouTube, can understand and portray a younger demographic accurately. The brothers’ absurdist humour is woven throughout the film, and it makes the horror feel terrifyingly realistic.

“I woke up and Mia was, I don’t know, sucking my feet. What the fuck?”

4: ‘Eighth Grade’ (2018), dir. Bo Burnham

‘Eighth Grade’ is classified as a ‘Comedy/Thriller’. And although there’s no violence or horror, thriller is a fitting term for the intense levels of discomfort and awkward – ness this movie will make you feel. Experiencing middle school life again through the eyes of its shy protagonist Kayla, viewers feel with her and for her as she makes some questionable and embarrassing decisions. With the outdated meme references and dabbing, honest and poignant portrayals of relationships and Kayla’s YouTube channel, ‘Eighth Grade’ hits the mark on the unique upbringing of our generation, and the trainwreck of nostalgia that comes with it.

“Gucci.”