Movies have explored the concept of “coming of age” for a long time now, from the silly (Superbad) to the melodramatic (Moonrise Kingdom), but that makes a lot of sense, because most of us have either come of age or are still doing it. Most people can relate to the difficulty of relating to your parents and trying to be your own person. For guys, there’s the constant refrain of how you need to be “a man” and make something of yourself. It’s not easy for anyone, and nobody’s perfect at it, although some make it seem easier than others. Life can be difficult, even for teenagers who don’t need to worry about supporting their families or selves. Sometimes you just need to get away from it all.

The Kings of Summer is about three high school sophomores, best friends Joe (Nick Robinson) and Patrick (Gabriel Basso) with weird kid and accidental hanger on Biaggio (Moises Arias) that run away from home after the school year ends and decide to live in the woods. They even build a fairly decent ramshackle dwelling out of stolen and abandoned building material. Joe is suddenly free of the contentious relationship with his father (Nick Offerman) and Patrick of his embarrassing, overbearing parents (the hilarious duo of Megan Mullally and Marc Evan Jackson). And maybe they’ll even invite a girl (Erin Moriarty) or two to visit the place in secret. Although the three teenagers running away from home becomes big news while the parents reevaluate their parenting styles and what went wrong, these three boys are first just experiencing the joys of living without limits in the beauty of nature with people who won’t judge them. Sure, the other two might snicker a little at Biaggio’s eccentricities, but it’s all about bonding. At first, anyway. Because the summer won’t last forever, and people haven’t forgotten they’ve gone.

This movie is full of charm and wit, with beautiful images of natural beauty and naturalistic, empathetic performances from the three young leads. Nick Robinson, playing the ostensible lead and primary point of view, is excellent in his troubled, damaged way. And Nick Offerman’s performance as his gruff father who’s trying to understand and connect with his son is at times hilarious and heartbreaking. There is a plot here, sure, and significant character arcs with legitimate resolutions. But it’s all about the journey. Humor keeps this movie light while it explores the serious inner thoughts of boys trying to be men. You really just want things to go well for everyone here; there are no villains, except perhaps themselves.

Sometimes it can be a chore when indie movies do nothing but watch the scenery while alternative music plays, but the movie moves at such a quick pace and is filled with such charisma and energy, you’ll be surprised when it’s all over … and perhaps even want to take a trip to the woods yourself to just look around and experience life. Or maybe build something with your own hands. Just don’t forget your flashlight. You never know when it’ll come in handy.

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