How to Deal is a romantic teen comedy-drama film released in 2003. The film is based on two young adult novels by Sarah Dessen, Someone like You and That Summer. The movie follows Halley Martin (Mandy Moore), a cynical and smart-mouthed teenage girl, who doesn’t believe in love after watching her parents’ marriage fall apart.
The story revolves around Halley’s struggle to understand herself and her relationships, both romantic and familial. Halley's father, Len, is dating a younger woman after divorcing her mother, Lydia, played by Allison Janney. Halley feels embarrassed and disconnected from her father's new life, and she even goes as far as to refuse to attend his wedding.
At the same time, Halley's best friend, Scarlett (Alexandra Holden), falls in love for the first time with a boy named Michael Sherwood (Trent Ford). But when a tragedy strikes, Scarlett's relationship shatters, leaving her devastated and heartbroken. Halley also develops feelings for a new boy named Macon Forrester (Trent Ford), but she's afraid to form a serious relationship with him because of her skepticism about love.
Halley's family drama and her friends' romantic complications make her question her cynicism. Slowly she comes to realize that love is complex, and it often takes a leap of faith to find happiness. The movie explores the trials and tribulations of first love, loss, and growing up while managing to maintain a balance between the lighthearted and emotional moments.
The film's ensemble cast includes Mandy Moore, Allison Janney, Alexandra Holden, Trent Ford, and Peter Gallagher, among others. The movie's soundtrack features songs from singers like Mandy Moore, Liz Phair, and Avril Lavigne, among others.
Directed by Clare Kilner, How to Deal is a charming and emotional coming-of-age story that teaches us that love isn't always perfect, but it can still be beautiful.
