We’re Screening Reality Bites (1994): A Staff Pick Worth Rediscovering

Reality Bites encapsulated the uncertainty, the struggles, the friendships, and the search for authenticity that I certainly felt in that period of time when you finish school and are excited but scared of where life is going to take you.

The film’s humour, heart and raw honesty were like a reflection of my own experiences of navigating friendships, finding first loves, and just trying to figure out what comes next.

Accompanied by a banging soundtrack of which I definitely wore out my CD while belting out songs in my bedroom, such as “Tempted” by Squeeze and “Stay” by Lisa Loeb, Reality Bites showcases an era of hope, confusion and growing pains. Perfect casting, in particular Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke’s standout performances, turned those growing pains into excitement and anticipation, and this film stayed with me for a long time after the credits rolled.

I hope you all enjoy it!

Tyneside Cinema is showing Reality Bites on 30th July and you can book tickets here.