One of the hardest things to do in filmmaking is to make a unique coming-of-age comedy. At this point, it feels like there have been so many that creating one which truly stands out is like finding a needle in a haystack. But every once in a while one comes along that knocks the wind right out of you and feels like it could go down as an instant classic, and SXSW may have just provided one with Will Ropp’s directorial debut Brian.

Written by Mike Scollins, Brian follows a high school student crippled by severe anxiety and plagued by uncontrollable panic attacks that lead to explosive outbursts, leaving him completely ostracised. The only place Brian (Ben Wang) finds comfort and joy is in his crush, his English teacher (Natalie Morales). In a bid to impress her, Brian decides to run for class president and things go pretty much exactly as you might expect. The trials and tribulations he faces along the way produce some sincerely heartfelt but hilarious moments that provide the perfect blend for a coming-of-age story like this.

Unfortunately for many, Brian will be painfully relatable, capturing the American high school experience of being labelled the “weird” kid and the loneliness that follows. While this is not unfamiliar territory for a film like this, the emotional beats are executed expertly to ensure the story still feels fresh and engaging, and most importantly it is something audiences will be able to connect with on a deeper level.

The humour throughout Brian leans heavily into awkward toe curling comedy that will make you cringe on Brian’s behalf, inevitably transporting audiences back to remember what it was like when they were in his shoes. But when Brian’s outbursts arrive, the comedy takes on a nastier edge that proves absolutely hysterical at the best of times. There are multiple moments that even now, hours after the credits have rolled, that are bound to be living in audiences memory.

It would have been easy for Brian to feel generic, but the introduction of Justin (Joshua Colley) as his new and only friend changes the dynamic entirely. Scollins takes a real risk by making Brian feel like a little bit of an asshole. Granted, his mental health struggles offer some explanation for his behaviour, but the script never shies away from his selfish streak or his dire need for changes. It would have been far simpler to present Brian as a golden child and an immediate crowd favourite, but the decision to lean into his flaws makes the journey feel far more authentic.

Ben Wang delivers what is easily the best performance of his career so far and offers further proof that he is one of the brightest young stars working in Hollywood today. His nerdy persona feels completely natural and he balances charm with fantastic comedic timing. What’s most impressive, however, is how confidently he handles the more emotionally charged moments that could easily have caused the film to falter in less capable hands.

The supporting cast are equally strong. Randall Park as Brian’s dad and William H. Macy as his therapist have smaller roles, but both make the most of their screen time with some genuinely fun moments. Edi Patterson brings a warmer and more approachable presence as his mum. Yet it is Joshua Colley who shines brightest, giving Justin a tenderness and loving care for Brian that becomes central to his growth as a person.

Brian is without a doubt one of the funniest coming-of-age films in years. While the core of the movie’s story feels somewhat familiar, Scollins’ and Ropp’s fresh approach to it feels consistently engaging. Packed with outrageously funny moments, tear jerking emotion, and performances that are impossible not to have fun with, it is an absolute must watch.