Mile End Kicks Captures the Indie Spirit of Millennial Coming-of-Age

The new film offers an authentic and emotional take on the experiences of young adults in the early 2010s indie music scene.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of shimmering, textured materials in a high-contrast, glamorous studio lighting setup, conceptually representing the energy and aesthetic of the indie music world depicted in the film.The vibrant textures and lighting of Mile End Kicks' indie rock setting evoke the passion and nostalgia of the early 2010s music scene.Chicago Today

Mile End Kicks, the latest coming-of-age film, stars Barbie Ferreira as Grace, a young writer who moves to Montreal to immerse herself in the indie rock scene and ends up in a love triangle with members of the band Bone Patrol. The film authentically captures the vibes of the early 2010s, reflecting the experiences of writer/director Chandler Levack, while telling a universal story about the highs and lows of being in your 20s.

Why it matters

Like the best examples of the genre, Mile End Kicks hits a nostalgic note for those who were young adults in the late 2000s and early 2010s, while still maintaining a broadly appealing humanity at the core of the story. The film's attention to period-specific details like the indie music scene, online journalism, and technology usage creates a strong sense of authenticity.

The details

Mile End Kicks follows Grace, an aspiring writer who moves to Montreal to write a book about Alanis Morissette and immerse herself in the indie rock scene. There, she bonds with members of the band Bone Patrol and finds herself in a love triangle with the ambitious frontman Chevy and the more sardonic guitarist Archie. As Grace confronts harsh truths about love, art, and herself, the film indulges in the highs and lows of being in your early 20s.

  • The film is set in the summer of 2011, when the indie music scene was exploding.
  • Mile End Kicks will be released in theaters on April 17, 2026.

The players

Barbie Ferreira

An actress who stars as Grace, the film's protagonist, an aspiring writer who moves to Montreal.

Chandler Levack

The writer and director of Mile End Kicks, who drew from her own experiences to authentically capture the early 2010s indie music scene and coming-of-age story.

Bone Patrol

The fictional indie band at the center of the film's story, whose music and personality reflect the creative indie acts of the early 2010s.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Mile End Kicks captures the vibes of 2011 while telling a universal coming-of-age story, making it a great modern answer to Dazed and Confused.”

— Brandon Zachary, Writer

“There's a natural malaise that can translate to cool vibes and sudden passion, just as easily as it can expose selfish motivations and thoughtless declarations.”

— Brandon Zachary, Writer

What’s next

Mile End Kicks will be released in theaters on April 17, 2026, giving audiences a chance to experience the authentic and emotional coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the early 2010s indie music scene.

The takeaway

Mile End Kicks is a must-see for anyone who was a young adult in the late 2000s and early 2010s, as it perfectly captures the vibes and experiences of that era. But the film's universal themes and relatable characters also make it an engaging watch for a broader audience.