We all know Steve Carell as the lovable goofball, the awkward boss in The Office. And on the big screen, he’s also well-known as the unlucky romantic in The 40-Year-Old Virgin, the sweet-yet-silly dad in Crazy, Stupid, Love, and even the voice of the eccentric supervillain Gru in Despicable Me. But one movie broke his type and pulled a version of Carell we hadn’t seen before.
He is quite cold and critical in this movie. It’s a coming-of-age flick that doesn’t romanticize teen angst and doesn’t rely on clichés to win hearts, yet it does. This hidden gem with an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes is now streaming on Prime Video. And if you love smart, sincere storytelling, you shouldn’t miss The Way, Way Back.
Steve Carell’s underrated coming-of-age gem The Way, Way Back is now on streaming
Titled The Way, Way Back, this 2013 coming-of-age dramedy quietly earned critical praise when it premiered but has recently found new life on streaming, and rightfully so. It’s the kind of movie that doesn’t demand attention with flashy visuals or unexpected twists. It earns your investment the old-fashioned way, through some emotional victories.
The story centers on Duncan (Liam James), a painfully shy 14-year-old boy who is forced to spend the summer in a beach town with his mother and her overbearing boyfriend, Trent. Duncan is isolated and deeply unsure of himself, a portrait of teen life that feels more honest and real. The dynamic in this house is toxic, and Steve Carell‘s character, Trent, is a major reason why.
His performance might surprise even his longtime fans. Carell dials down his usual likable character and fully commits to playing a manipulative, emotionally distant figure. The movie opens with a scene that sets the tone.
Trent turns to Duncan and asks him to rate himself on a scale of 1 to 10. Duncan offers himself a 6, to which Trent coldly responds that he’s a 3. It’s cruel and devastating, and Carell plays it with a chilling realism that strips away his usual charm.
Luckily, the movie doesn’t trap Duncan, or the audience, in that emotional low. His escape comes in the form of Water Wizz. He stumbles into a job at a local water park, Water Wizz, where he forms a bond with the laid-back manager, Owen (Sam Rockwell). With Owen’s guidance and support, Duncan begins to come out of his shell, finding both confidence and a sense of belonging, something sorely lacking in his home life.
Owen becomes the kind of adult every teenager deserves: supportive, funny, and genuinely invested in helping Duncan, which Carell’s Trent couldn’t. The movie also gives the message that sometimes your real family is found, not given.
Why should you watch Steve Carell’s The Way, Way Back?
What makes The Way, Way Back stand out is its subtlety. It doesn’t rely on grand gestures or exaggerated drama. It focuses on the small, quiet victories of growing up, the kind that feel deeply personal and relatable. Directors Faxon and Rash, who also won an Oscar for The Descendants, craft a story that’s full of heart, humor, and hard truths.
The ensemble cast includes Maya Rudolph, AnnaSophia Robb, Allison Janney, and Amanda Peet, each adding their charm to the simple but deeply affecting story. Rockwell, in particular, shines as the unexpected mentor figure, bringing warmth and wit in every scene.
The Way, Way Back isn’t just another summer movie; it’s a movie about finding yourself when you feel invisible and about how the right people can show up in the most unexpected places. The movie currently holds a solid 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the site’s consensus noting its “abundance of charm” and “finely tuned script.” The Guardian highlights Carell’s rare turn as a plausible “overgrown jock with a bullying charm.“
If you’re looking for a film that balances humor and emotion with a strong, against-the-grain performance from Steve Carell, this one’s worth your time.
Watch The Way, Way Back now streaming on Prime Video (USA).
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