The feature directorial debut of Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman – Theater Camp – has garnered such immense praise since its debut at this past Sundance Film Festival that it seemed like it could falter under its hype. However, it’s an absolute knockout watch filled with humor, heart, and wholesome characters that make the film a total crowd pleaser.

Based on Gordon and Lieberman’s 2020 short of the same name, the film is a mockumentary that brings viewers into Camp AdirondACTS – a theater camp in upstate New York that isn’t without its issues. Despite the camp being run by invested counselors with eccentric personalities and filled with ambitious kids, it’s on the cusp of being closed due to financial shortcomings. Even worse is that the camp’s beloved owner Joan (Amy Sedaris) has fallen into a coma forcing her neglectful son Troy (Jimmy Tatro) to step into her role. With Troy being totally clueless about the world of AdirondACTS and needing to pick things up quick, absolute hilarity and chaos ensues as counselors Rebecca-Diane (Molly Gordon) and Amos (Ben Platt) try to put on a show in honor of Joan.

When the trailers for Theater Camp first arrived, it was tough to imagine that the “mockumentary” concept would hold up in the final product. Frankly, the whole mockumentary storytelling tool has been done to death on the small screen by shows like The Office, Modern Family, and Abbot Elementary and it was hard to see how Theater Camp would utilize the mockumentary style differently. However, the mockumentary elements of Theater Camp end up elevating the comedic storytelling by keeping it simple. Rather than filling the film up with one-on-one interviews with the characters like the shows mentioned before, it simply uses the mockumentary style to immerse viewers deeper into the film’s experience.

With more handheld camera movement, the mockumentary approach to Theater Camp will make viewers feel like a fly on the wall happily viewing all the chaos around them. Between all the fun auditions and behind the scenes looks at Troy’s attempts to make the camp profitable, audiences will feel totally immersed in everything that’s happening at AdirondACTS. There’s such a personal touch to it all and it makes the film feel incredibly inviting for everyone – regardless of if you are or were a theater kid or not. Plus, there are little text slates added in to not only deliver some hilarious clarity to situations but also give the off-screen camera crew a charming voice.

The film’s comedic strengths aren’t solely tied to its mockumentary approach though as nearly every part of the film will make viewers laugh. Gordon and Lieberman’s approach to capturing the “theater camp” experience is flawless and full of hilarious moments. The counselors have such distinct personalities and roles within the camp that makes them fun to be with both in the middle of their classes and just sitting around with one another. It’s incredibly fun to be right in the middle of chaos as the shows come together, and audiences will find themselves roaring with laughter seeing Rebecca and Amos give critiques towards the kids and camp stage manager Glenn (Noah Galvin) running around to make sure everything goes okay. Even the kids themselves are just a delight and a key part of the film’s distinct nostalgia.

For those that grew up on-stage and in the theater community, there’s so much to connect with and relate to in Theater Camp. From the tense atmosphere of kids wanting to show what they can do and be in these roles to the counselors trying to inspire the kids while slightly stroking their egos, there are some moments in the film that act as genuine satire that likely hits close to home for some. For those – like myself – who were more looking into this world from the outside or weren’t involved in it whatsoever, the characters and antics of the camp are so wholesome and inviting that there will be more than enough to make everyone laugh together. Hell, even if you were the type to go to summer camp, Theater Camp has those relatable moments through its hokiness and unabashed love for itself.

Not to mention, there are some amazing running story threads and gags that let the performances shine and lead to some hilarious payoff. The entire storyline surrounding Troy running the camp is literally perfect as he just can’t help but be himself – a crypto obsessed influencer who doesn’t get what the camp is all about. Tatro constantly makes Troy’s failed attempts to relate to the kids and half-brained ideas to make the camp profitable a riot to watch. Despite his ineptitude and ignorance, viewers won’t be able to help but love his story and arc within the film and he’s truly a dim-witted delight. Ayo Edebiri is a total gem in the film as well and her character – Janet – is one of the funniest in the film. Without spoiling, she sticks out like a total thumb on purpose, and it never stops being funny to watch her try to fake it until she makes it. Every time she shows up on-screen, it’s hard not to have a smile on your face.

The real stars of Theater Camp are Gordon, Platt, and Galvin though. Along with showing some superb directing and writing skills with this film, Gordon delivers quite possibly the best performance of her career thus far. Her storyline with Platt’s Amos is a great centerpiece in this film showcasing the pitfalls of success – or lack thereof – and how it affects their friendship during the creative process. Both Gordon and Platt are a hilarious duo and the way they showcase Rebecca and Amos’ investment in the camp and theater is undeniably hilarious. Galvin shines throughout the entire film and quickly becomes an underdog character that audiences love. Glenn’s personal devotion to the camp makes him such an endearing character that’s easy to vibe with and get behind. Galvin evokes the hilarious awkwardness of Glenn as well as his subtle determination and it all comes together brilliantly in the film’s stunning finale.

The final stretch of Theater Camp is where the film hits a whole new level of excellence as it delivers great payoffs for its stories and an unforgettable musical sequence with some real damn heart. While most of the film makes you laugh at all the messiness and obstacles of Rebecca and Amos’ homage to Joan, there’s something really special about seeing everything come together. The hilariously wild moments of the show will have viewers in stitches – especially since it’s all performed by kids. Glenn’s arc in the film is immensely satisfying and funny. The wrap-up that’s provided is funny and full of great moments. Throughout Theater Camp, viewers won’t even realize that the film has really wrapped itself around their hearts. That is until the finale comes, and you’re left amazed, cheering, and with a swollen heart from the sheer joy and comedic failing of the entire thing.

Theater Camp should be on everyone’s watchlist because it harnesses everything people want in a great comedy – consistently funny ideas that don’t get old, performances that constantly up the hilarity, and memorable moments that surprisingly tug at the heartstrings. It’s a genuinely flawless film that’s legitimately a rare find and will be perfect for theater kids and newcomers alike. Theater Camp is the funniest comedy of 2023 thus far and quite possibly one of the year’s best films.  

Watch the Trailer Here: