“Screams from the Tower” is a fun and inspiring throwback film set in the ’90s

High school comedies that once defined the 1980s and 1990s now feel largely like a relic of the past. In 2026, the genre seems all but dormant, as teen audiences gravitate toward darker, more stylized series like Euphoria and Wednesday. Still, there remains a niche audience hungry for lighthearted, earnest portrayals of high school life. With queer storytelling continuing to gain momentum, there’s a particular opportunity for films that explore LGBTQ adolescence with a brighter, more optimistic tone. 

Screams from the Tower aims to fill that gap. Directed by Cory Wexler Grant and premiering at the Midwest Film Festival in June 2024, the film is now available to rent on digital platforms such as Fandango at Home and Prime Video.

The story follows two friends, Julien (Richie Fusco) and Cary (David Bloom), who start their own radio talk show at their high school. As they dive into this creative outlet, they also face the challenges of growing up in the mid-’90s — particularly the struggle to understand and embrace their sexual identities.

The film is a colorful burst of joy, immersing viewers in the wild antics of its two leads. Through Julien and Cary, the messiness of the teenage years is portrayed in a way that feels both outrageous and deeply relatable, tapping into a sense of nostalgia for that chaotic time. Their unfiltered dynamic — especially on their talk show — brings plenty of humor, but also a surprising warmth, reminding viewers of the freedom and intensity of adolescence. That time of being carefree and so loose is also important to hold onto as an adult as it can sometimes get hard to remember your true self.

There is some resistance, however, particularly from the teacher overseeing the show, whose stern, no-nonsense attitude puts her at odds with the boys’ unfiltered style. Watching her attempt to rein them in — even as their popularity grows — adds an engaging layer of tension. It serves as a reminder that self-expression often invites criticism, and not everyone will be receptive.

That conflict is balanced by Julien’s relationship with April, a cafeteria worker who becomes a source of warmth and support. She is a compassionate, grounding presence in his life, encouraging him to embrace his identity and reassuring him that having a boyfriend is nothing to be ashamed of. Their bond is one of the film’s sweetest elements, culminating in a memorable moment when Julien brings her into his world on the show.

High school is both an exciting and deeply anxious time, shaped by the uncertainty of approaching adulthood and entering the workforce. Screams from the Tower does a strong job exploring that transition through the perspective of two queer teenagers. Its throwback setting — before the rise of social media — also opens up interesting ideas about how media was once more tightly controlled, and how easily voices could be censored.

In contrast to today, where creating a podcast requires little more than a microphone and an internet connection, the film feels like a quiet critique of an era when it was easier for queer teens to remain closeted. Julien and Cary are characters who reflect both the struggles and the beauty of coming to terms with a sexuality that sets them apart from the majority.

5/5 stars