Great high school comedies do more than just make us laugh—they capture the specific, cringe-inducing, and often lonely reality of adolescence with a warmth that suggests survival is possible. Films like Lady Bird, Eighth Grade, and The Edge of Seventeen have set a high bar, finding universal truth in the awkwardness of growing up. Now, a new film from this year's SXSW Festival joins that prestigious list, and it arrives with a massive dose of heart and humor.
A Star is Born in Ben Wang
Brian, the feature directorial debut from Will Ropp, is not just another teen movie. Written by Saturday Night Live alum Mike Scollins, it follows Brian, a high school student played with remarkable authenticity by Ben Wang (The Karate Kid: Legends). Brian's life is dominated by severe, well-known anxiety that frequently leads to public panic attacks. He navigates therapy sessions with a counselor (William H. Macy), a supportive but sometimes bewildered home life with parents played by Randall Park and Edi Patterson, and the casual cruelty of classmates.
His world begins to shift with the arrival of Justin (Joshua Colley), a new student who befriends Brian after being expelled from his Christian school. This budding friendship gives Brian a sliver of confidence, enough to propel him into a campaign for class president—a move largely motivated by his crush on his teacher, Ms. Osweiler (Natalie Morales).
Humor Meets Heart in a Masterful Script
The genius of Scollins' screenplay lies in its balance. It never makes Brian the punchline of his own condition. Instead, the film walks alongside him as he tests his limits, experiences setbacks, and slowly builds self-awareness. It tackles the very real, overwhelming anxiety many teens face with a rare kindness, presenting it not as a flaw to be eradicated, but as part of Brian's unique—and ultimately powerful—perspective on the world.
And it is laugh-out-loud funny. The joke density is remarkably high, stemming from Brian's awkward outbursts, the hilarious dynamic with his parents, and the minefield of high school social politics. Every scene is packed with sharp, authentic humor that resonates because it feels so true to the characters.
Ben Wang Anchors a Stellar Cast
This entire enterprise is held together by Ben Wang's phenomenal lead performance. His impeccable comedic timing and genuine vulnerability make Brian an instantly endearing character. Whether he's sputtering through an awkward interaction or having a full-blown anxiety attack, Wang's delivery makes every moment sing. 2026 is shaping up to be his year, with this and the upcoming Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass showcasing his range.
The supporting cast is uniformly excellent. Randall Park and Edi Patterson are a riot as Brian's parents, finding both the absurdity and touching sincerity in their roles. William H. Macy brings quiet, grounded humor to the therapist's office, while Joshua Colley's Justin feels like a perfectly realized portrait of an unexpected ally. If you're looking for your next great binge after this, check out our Weekend Watchlist for Prime Video.
Brian succeeds because every character and relationship evolves in meaningful ways. Ropp and Scollins understand that comedy is richest when it springs from fully realized people. The result is a film that doesn't just aim for cheap laughs but builds a world you want to spend time in, celebrating difference with warmth and wit.
In a landscape crowded with sequels and reboots, Brian is a refreshing and original triumph. It's the kind of film that reminds us why we go to the movies: to see ourselves reflected, to laugh until it hurts, and to leave the theater feeling a little more understood. For another story about an actor finding a deeply personal role, read about Yahya Abdul-Mateen II's journey with 'Wonder Man'.
