IndieWire - By contrast, "Young Adult" only toys with the possibility of a twisted resolution to Mavis' plight; it's a cautionary tale for bitter people. This is Reitman's tamest work and his most controlled, with a cringe factor that only scrapes the surface. Awkward comedy makes us recoil in terror because it bears a strong resemblance to feelings we experience in real life, providing a new context that endows it with humor. (You know how terrible mistakes become funny years down the line? Movies can speed up that process to milliseconds.)
Netflix's Boo Bitch drops all the right young adult, coming-of-age bombs irrespective of the weak narrative,
“First Love” tricks you by focusing almost equally on the male lead’s parents as they do on the advertised relationship.
Nicholas Herum of Movies Hates You Too writes:
New Releases for the month of December are a little light; there isn't a high profile film that is going to attract a lot attention, but there is a lovely family film and three films that could interest a lot of adults. On the catalog title front things are little more interesting; if you love 'bad' 80s action, horror, talkative or 'actiony' dramas, or one of TV's most shockingly funny shows there might be a lot things to watch while you try to ignore your family during the holidays. If there are a lot of kids in your household the first waive of Disney animated films to be added to Netflix may keep them busy while you try to get a few minutes of peace.
Ugh, what a downer this seems to be. Though I am curious to know if the protagonist ever finds happiest before the end and if she learns how to find it by looking forward in life.