'Roommates': Inside Devon's and Celeste's toxic friendship breakdown and everything else that happened
'Roommates,' starring actor and comedian Adam Sandler's daughter, Sadie Sandler, recently premiered on Netflix. Sandler portrays Devon, a rather awkward college freshman who was mostly ignored by her peers throughout her school life. In a bid to form meaningful connections in college, Devon stepped onto campus with a heart full of hope. Things started looking up for Devon once she met Celeste, and the two began living together as roommates. However, things quickly took a turn for the worse.
Directed by Chandler Levack, 'Roommates' begins with two roommates, Storm Reid and Ivy Wolk, who cause concern on campus because they can't get along. As a result, they are summoned to the Dean's office, played by actor Sarah Sherman. With the intention of providing a cautionary tale to help the feuding duo settle their differences amicably, the Dean narrates to them the story of Devon and her subsequent episode with her roommate, Celeste. This framing device sets the Netflix film apart from the dozens of other 'going to college' films. As the narrative focus then shifts to Devon, we go back with her to the day she left her home behind and traveled to the college campus.
The beginning of one's college years is often marked by making instant friendships with a wide spectrum of people. However, without the benefit of hindsight, most individuals at such a young age fail to appreciate that hastily formed friendships seldom stand the test of time. The film makes it clear that Devon wasn't exactly bullied in school, but was rather insignificant or nondescript, not included in any group of friends. As a result, most of her outlook in college is shaped by an innate desire to fit in with the others. Her quick friendship with Chloe East's Celeste over the weekend blossoms into the two living together under the same roof.
Nevertheless, little things like crossing boundaries and Celeste's passive-aggressive behavior threaten to upset their equilibrium. All of a sudden, it seemed to Devon that Celeste wasn't the cool friend she looked up to, but rather a self-indulgent girl who seldom cared about the consequences of her actions on others. Being the meek one among the two, Devon initially avoids confrontation and keeps her frustration to herself. By the end of the movie, Devon and Celeste find themselves in a heated exchange, where Devon finally gives Celeste a piece of her mind. Their friendship might not recover from the weight of their differences, yet by the end of the movie, Devon learned the crucial lesson that speaking up for herself is more important than her tendency to blend in. 'Roommates' is exclusively available on Netflix and is yet to receive a Rotten Tomatoes rating.
