High school comedies have been a beloved genre in film and television for decades, providing a mix of nostalgia, humor, and often a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of adolescence. From classics like “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” to more modern takes like “Superbad,” these films resonate because they tap into universal experiences. Netflix’s latest release, “Incoming,” directed and written by the Chernin brothers, Dave and John, is a fresh addition to this genre. The Chernins, who previously made a name for themselves with the irreverent humor of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and the short-lived but memorable Fox comedy “The Mick,” bring their seasoned comedic touch to this project. “Incoming” is packed with familiar high school tropes, but the Chernins’ approach, honed in the world of sitcoms, infuses the film with a brisk pace and a keen sense of humor that keeps it engaging from start to finish.
A Plot Full of Tropes, But With a Fresh Twist
“Incoming” centers around the lives of four 14-year-old boys as they navigate the treacherous waters of their first year in high school. These boys—Benj, Connor, Eddie, and Danah—are portrayed as a quintessential mix of high school archetypes, yet each character is given enough depth and quirks to make them relatable and entertaining.
Benj, played by Mason Thomas, is the dreamer of the group, a freshman with grand aspirations to date a sophomore, Bailey, portrayed by Isabelle Ferreira. Benj’s storyline is a classic one: the underdog with a crush on someone just out of his league. The film humorously explores his awkward attempts at romance, reflecting the common high school experience of yearning for someone who seems unattainable. Benj’s journey is one many can relate to—the excitement and anxiety of first crushes, the awkward encounters, and the inevitable moments of embarrassment.
Connor, brought to life by Raphael Alejandro, is the smallest of the group, having not yet hit his growth spurt, earning him the nickname “Fetus.” Connor’s story delves into the insecurities many adolescents face about their bodies, especially in a time when physical appearance plays such a crucial role in social status. The Chernins use Connor’s character to highlight the pressures of fitting in and the challenges that come with being perceived as different, whether it’s due to size, looks, or other factors.
Eddie, portrayed by Ramon Reed, deals with a different kind of tension—his resentment towards his mother’s wealthy boyfriend. Scott MacArthur, a familiar face from “The Mick,” takes on this role with a mix of jadedness and humor, adding layers to the typical “disapproving of mom’s boyfriend” trope. Eddie’s storyline provides a window into the complexities of family dynamics, particularly in blended families, and how these dynamics can impact a teenager’s social life and self-identity.
Danah, played by Bardia Seiri, represents the ambitious social climber of the group, banking on hooking up with a senior to boost his reputation. Danah’s character embodies the desperate need for validation that often drives high school students to make questionable decisions. His storyline touches on themes of peer pressure, the desire for popularity, and the lengths to which some will go to achieve it. The Chernins handle Danah’s character with a balance of humor and caution, ensuring that while his actions may be cringeworthy, they’re never truly harmful.
The plot’s setup revolves around an upcoming party that the boys believe will change their social lives forever. This expectation—so common in high school films—is quickly subverted. The Chernins make it clear that while the party is a significant event, it’s not the life-altering experience the boys anticipate. This approach reflects a deeper understanding of high school life: while events like parties feel monumental in the moment, they’re often just fleeting blips in the grand scheme of things. This subtle commentary on the overinflated importance of high school milestones adds depth to the otherwise straightforward storyline.
Balancing Comedy with Moral Boundaries
One of the notable aspects of “Incoming” is how it manages to walk the fine line between raunchy humor and moral integrity. The Chernin brothers, known for pushing boundaries in their previous work, demonstrate a surprising level of restraint in this film. While “Incoming” is rated R and doesn’t shy away from explicit content—such as drug-induced escapades and suggestive humor—it never ventures into truly uncomfortable territory. This balance allows the film to maintain a broad appeal, catering to those who enjoy edgy humor while also ensuring it doesn’t alienate viewers who might be turned off by more extreme content.
The moral compass of the film is primarily carried by the four main characters. Despite their various insecurities and flaws, Benj, Eddie, Connor, and Danah are all depicted as fundamentally good kids. They’re not interested in causing real harm or crossing serious ethical lines, which keeps the film grounded. For instance, when Danah decides to install security cameras to manipulate a situation with his crush, the film quickly punishes this behavior with swift consequences—namely, a comedic yet impactful moment of physical comeuppance. This instance, along with others, reinforces the idea that while the characters may stray, they’re ultimately kept in check by a sense of right and wrong.
This moral framework is important because it prevents “Incoming” from becoming just another vulgar high school comedy. Instead, it offers a more nuanced take on teenage life, where mistakes are made but lessons are learned, and where the consequences of actions are felt, even if only for a brief moment. This approach also allows the humor to shine without the weight of darker undertones, making it more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience.
Supporting Characters Add Flavor and Depth
While the four boys are the focus of “Incoming,” the film’s supporting characters add significant flavor and depth to the story. The Chernin brothers wisely populate the film with a cast of memorable side characters who each bring something unique to the table, preventing the film from feeling too one-dimensional.
One of the standout supporting characters is Bobby Cannavale’s chemistry teacher. Cannavale, known for his versatility as an actor, brings a touch of pathos to the role of a teacher whose social life seems limited to the teenagers he teaches. His character, while largely used for comedic purposes, adds a layer of adult melancholy to the film. The scenes where the teacher ends up binge drinking with his students at the party, though played for laughs, also reflect a certain sadness about the character’s isolation and his blurred boundaries between professional and personal life. Cannavale’s performance offers a glimpse into the often-overlooked inner lives of the adults in these teenage worlds, adding a bittersweet note to the overall comedic tone.
Another notable supporting character is Benj’s sister, Alyssa, portrayed by Ali Gallo. Fresh off a nose job, Alyssa’s character is initially presented as a stereotypical “mean girl,” but the Chernins give her enough screen time to develop beyond this cliché. A particularly memorable scene involves Alyssa loudly wheezing through her newly aligned nostrils—a moment that’s both humorous and slightly mean-spirited. This scene stands out because it’s one of the few times the film dips into more biting humor, yet it works because it’s rooted in the reality of teenage self-consciousness and the lengths to which some will go to fit in. Alyssa’s character ultimately adds another layer to the film’s exploration of teenage identity and the pressures of maintaining appearances.
The Sitcom Structure: A Blessing and a Limitation
One of the most significant influences on “Incoming” is the Chernin brothers’ background in sitcoms, and this is both a blessing and a limitation for the film. The sitcom structure is evident in the film’s pacing, character development, and episodic nature. The Chernins’ experience in writing for television is apparent in how they quickly establish the main characters and their dynamics within the first act of the film. This efficiency in storytelling is a strength, allowing the audience to become immediately invested in the characters and their journey.
However, this sitcom-like structure also limits the film’s depth in certain areas. Because the film moves at such a brisk pace, there’s little time for moments of reflection or for the characters to experience lasting consequences from their actions. For example, a climactic faux pas by Benj during a school assembly is quickly glossed over, with the film swiftly moving on to the next gag. While this keeps the comedy flowing, it also means that some of the more poignant moments are underdeveloped. In many ways, “Incoming” feels like a setup for a longer series rather than a standalone film, with the characters positioned to face new challenges in future episodes that may never come.
The episodic nature of “Incoming” also means that while the film hits its comedic marks, it often feels like it’s holding back from fully exploring the more absurd or complex situations that arise. The characters are established well, but their growth is limited by the need to return to a status quo by the film’s end, much like in a traditional sitcom. This structure leaves the audience with the sense that there’s more to these characters and their stories than what’s presented, but it also makes “Incoming” a light and easy watch, perfect for those looking for a quick dose of humor without too much emotional investment.
“Incoming” Hits the Right Notes, But Leaves Room for More
In the end, “Incoming” is a film that delivers what it promises: a high school comedy filled with the typical tropes, but executed with enough charm and humor to make it a worthwhile watch. The Chernin brothers’ expertise in sitcom writing is both a strength and a limitation, providing a solid foundation for the film’s comedy while also keeping it from fully exploring the darker or more complex aspects of teenage life.
The film’s moral guardrails, while perhaps preventing it from becoming truly edgy, ensure that “Incoming” remains accessible to a broad audience. The supporting characters, particularly those played by Bobby Cannavale and Ali Gallo, add depth and variety to the story, making it more than just a collection of high school clichés.
Ultimately, “Incoming” feels like the start of something more—a pilot for a series that could delve deeper into the lives of its characters and the world they inhabit. As a standalone film, it hits the right notes for a high school comedy, but it also leaves the door open for further exploration, should the Chernin brothers decide to revisit these characters in the future. For now, “Incoming” stands as a fun, if slightly safe, entry into the genre, offering a fresh take on familiar themes with a dash of the Chernins’ signature humor.
