WE'RE NEVER GETTING HOME

A group of teens get stuck at a music festival when the keys to their van go missing.

Ever since her older sister’s unexpected return from college, her mother’s car accident, and her father’s expanded work hours, responsible Filipino American Jana Rubio has felt pressured to be constantly available for her family. Before, she could always count on best friend Maddy Parsons, who’s had her own share of family issues, to understand when she needed to cancel plans or hang out less. Jana and Maddy were planning to see their favorite band at a music festival, but their plans changed after an epic argument, and they’re no longer on speaking terms. Refusing to give up this opportunity of a lifetime, Jana decides to go with church friend Nathan Clark—only to discover that Maddy, Maddy’s boyfriend, and Nathan’s younger brother are along for the two-hour ride. Jana’s determined to have fun and be home by midnight as promised, but chaos ensues when Nathan loses his keys. Jana ends up running around the festival grounds with Maddy, trying to find them. Jana, who’s unlikable at times, is a relatable protagonist who unfairly carries the weight of her family’s problems and also acts as Maddy’s “Emotional Support Jana.” The wild concert hijinks are well balanced with Jana’s introspective thoughts as she navigates her fragile friendship with Maddy and her need to control everything. Nathan and Everett are cued Latine; Maddy reads white.

An entertaining and insightful romp.