I totally did not expect to enjoy this movie at all and came away totally enjoying it. It’s the first film written and directed by Tara Johnson-Medinger, who definitely gets the tone and voice right for this coming of age film.

After the sudden death of her father, Joey Javitts (Natalie Shershow) goes to stay with her grandparents for the summer while her famous author mother goes on a book tour. While there, she meets the goth neighbor Victor (Jack Levis) and decides to change everything.

Oh to be sixteen again and Manic Panic-dying your scalp for the first time. My Summer As a Goth may not ring true for those deeply invested in the subculture, but for those of us on the outskirts or outside, it presents a charming tale of a young girl seeking to find herself. The supporting cast is really fun and I loved the way the movie chose to show text messages as animation.

It starts streaming on demand on November 11. Check it out. I think you’ll end up liking it too. Take it from someone who went to Darkwave nights every Sunday and felt out of place because he can’t dance and didn’t wear makeup. It gets the alienation right.

You can learn more on the official site and official Facebook page.