A coming-of-age critically acclaimed feature film starring Elliot Page (credited as Ellen Page in 2007). It is directed by Jason Reitman and written by Diablo Cody. The film follows Juno, a sharp-witted teenage girl who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant after a one night stand with her best friend Paulie Bleaker (played by Michael Cera). The film is often praised for its balance of humour and drama, the nuanced exploration of relationships and responsibility, and abilities to avoid clichés while dealing with serious topics. It remains a beloved cult classic for many viewers, I remember sitting down and watching this with my mum for the first time and loving everything that I saw. I think this is a beautiful and iconic film that conveys the difficult decisions one must make while pregnant in a sensitive and heartfelt manner.

The soundtrack of Juno (2007) is one of the films most memorable and beloved aspects of the film’s quirky and heartfelt tone and is one of my favourite parts of this film, I often listen to it on my way to college and I believe I know the majority of the songs within the soundtrack off by heart. It features a mixture of indie rock, folk, and acoustic song, many of which were written specifically for the film while others fit effortlessly into the atmosphere created. The music plays a significant role in defining the film’s unique vibe and complementing the emotional beats of the story perfectly. Overall, the soundtrack features numerous standout tracks that have become increasingly more iconic since the release of the film. “All I Want is You” by Barry Louis Polisar opens the film establishing the playful and folkish tone. The lyrics are quirky and childlike reflecting Juno’s independent and no-nonsense character.

The use of the song is perfectly fitting, as it plays during the scene where Juno is in denial about her pregnancy and is on her journey to the shop to buy another pregnancy test. “So Nice So Smart” by Kimya Dawson is another iconic song from the soundtrack, reflecting the whimsical yet tender tone, offering insight into Juno’s character, her unique perspective on life and the small but meaningful choices she’s made. In fact, a significant portion of the soundtrack is influenced by Kimya Dawson. Her folk-inspired, lo-fi music is a perfect match for the film’s understated, sincere tone. Her songs on the Juno soundtrack help define the film’s musical identity and its long lasting impact. Dawson’s songs are often about self-discovery, love, and navigating life’s challenges, which align beautifully with the themes of the film. After the release of the film the soundtrack received wide critical acclaim alongside unexpected commercial success, it was praised for its perfect synergy with the film’s narrative and tone. The album was even a Grammy Award winner for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, and it proceeded to become a huge cultural phenomenon. Many of the songs used within the film charted in the years following the film’s release, and several of the tracks (specifically Kimya Dawson and The Mouldy Peaches) and went on to become associated with the film in the public consciousness.

Juno (2007) is a critically acclaimed film that garnered numerous awards and nominations, helping to recognise both the artistic achievements and the standout performances of its cast and crew. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards: Best Picture (nominated), Best Director (Jason Reitman) (Nominated), Best Original Screenplay (Diablo Cody( (Won), and Best Actress (Elliot Page) (Nominated). Furthermore, the film was also nominated for three Golden Globes and won two. Winning Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, recognising the film’s success as a heart-warming but funny story. It also won Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Page took home the Golden Globe for this and his performance as Juno was widely praised for the blend of humour, warmth, and emotional depth. Juno became a cultural phenomenon not only for its awards and recognition but also its lasting effects on pop culture. Diablo Cody’s script in particular, became iconic for its sharp and witty dialogue. Elliot Page’s role as Juno became a defining part of his career and the film’s success at the Academy Awards and Golden Globes helped bring attention to smaller indie films that delt with unconventional and niche topics in an accessible way. Overall, Juno’s blend of humour, heart, and sharp writing has earnt it numerous compliments across the film industry and has helped it become one of the most beloved films of the 2000’s.