Most Likely to Succeed

We follow these young people’s journeys through their ups and downs. Most Likely to Succeed juxtaposes the plights of Quay and Disco against those of Peter and Sarah. Despite its supposedly uplifting concept, the film ends up being somewhat of a melancholic downer, hammering home the point that the whole notion of the American Dream is ludicrous. That is, not unless you’ve got rich folks who can set you on the right path, of course. Littky’s film reiterates how corrupt our system is, yet doesn’t even attempt to dissect the problem, its sentiments adding up to “it’s much more difficult to be successful in this country for those less financially fortunate.” If “moving up the corporate ladder,” or aspirations of “being a stay at home dad,” or working for a tech start-up, or moving to Florida (!) sounds like “success” to you, then all of our heroes are truly livin’ it up. So, then, how come none of them seem all that happy?

“…an underlying existential vibe to watching them grow up that’s undeniable…”

There’s an underlying existential vibe to watching them grow up that’s undeniable, their fast-forwarded lives bringing to mind the fleetingness (and futility) of existence. Was that the doc’s goal? I’m not so sure. In doing so, Littky also skips through some chunks, struggling to focus; whether the issue was too much footage or not enough remains a mystery. We get glimpses of how society rapidly changes along with the protagonists – iPods get replaced by iPads, Obama by Trump, and social media sinks its claws into everything we do – but the repercussions of those changes aren’t truly examined.  Some interesting dynamics between peers emerge – particularly one between Peter and his pseudo-girlfriend (who’s very upfront). College staples like drinking are put in perspective – years pass, yet kids still collect empty liquor bottles like trophies.

Even if you don’t go to space, produce a multimillion-dollar film or break through the system while having next-to-nothing – as long as you have Love, consider yourself successful. I believe the filmmakers thought there would be more to it when they began their endeavor. This is what they got. Sadly, come award season, this doc is not most likely to succeed.