American Fantasy

A reluctant Annie, at the urging of her sister Katherine, buys tickets for the Boy Talk reunion cruise on the American Fantasy—Boy Talk being a boy band popular when Annie was a teen. When Katherine’s injury leaves her unable to go on the cruise, Annie goes anyway and is paired with Maira, a veteran of these cruises, as her roommate. Maira draws Annie into the activities aboard ship, where Annie meets the “Talkers,” rabid fans of the band, eventually understanding their obsession as nostalgia brings her back to her teens. There’s also cruise coordinator, Sarah in charge of wrangling the group and keeping them on schedule, and Boy Talk member Keith, who dreads these cruises but doesn’t want to let anyone down. Annie befriends Keith as tempers on board boil over and long-held grievances are aired. Straub (This Time Tomorrow) expertly captures the all-consuming passion fans can feel for their teen crushes, even at middle age, as well as the relentless pressure these entertainers can feel living up to their expectations.