Licorice Pizza is the breakout coming-of-age film that people are going wild for

Since hitting cinema screens here in the UK, it’s clearly got the people’s vote too, with a representative from film podcast Academy Queens gushing with praise on Twitter…

Others on the social media platform praised the film’s script and acting, dubbing it one of the “best films of 2022” (it was also voted among the top 10 films of the year, by the American Film Institute Awards). 

Alana was particularly celebrated for her acting – pretty impressive given that it’s the musician’s first-ever film credit (she previously starred as herself in a short documentary film, Documentary Now, which centred around the making of Haim’s second studio album, ‘Something To Tell You’).

Some, however, had their reservations about the ten year age gap between the two main characters, Gary and Alana – 15 and 25 respectively when the action begins – given the developing romance between them.

Director Paul Thomas Anderson commented directly on this, in an interview with the New York Times. He said: “There’s no line that’s crossed, and there’s nothing but the right intentions. It would surprise me if there was some kind of kerfuffle about it, because there’s not that much there. That’s not the story that we made, in any kind of way. There isn’t a provocative bone in this film’s body.”

Despite some people’s reservations, the film has proved a favourite among critics and public alike. It has also received four Golden Globe Award nominations – so watch this space, as the result will be announced at the upcoming glitzy ceremony on 9 January this year.

The star-studded cast also features Bradley Cooper and Sean Penn, alongside blues musician Tom Waits.

Oh – and for an added perk, as if you didn’t already have enough reasons to watch? The whole Haim family – Alana’s sisters slash band members Danielle and Este, plus father Moti and mother Donna – make a cameo as character Alana Kane’s family. And you best believe that multi-talented family can act!

Intrigued? You can watch the trailer below… or better yet, nab your cinema tickets now and be part of the conversation about one of 2022’s hottest film releases. 

Licorice Pizza is currently showing at cinemas across the UK. It is not currently available for streaming.