The Wackness is a 2008 independent film directed by Jonathan Levine and starring Josh Peck, Ben Kingsley, and Olivia Thirlby. It is set in New York City in 1994 and follows the story of Luke Shapiro (Peck), a teenage drug dealer who is struggling to find his place in the world. Luke's parents are going through a divorce and he has no friends at school. He spends his days selling weed to his clients, including a psychiatrist named Dr. Jeffrey Squires (Kingsley).
Luke trades weed for therapy sessions with Dr. Squires, who is addicted to prescription drugs and struggling to keep his marriage together. The two form an unlikely friendship as Luke opens up about his problems and Dr. Squires shares his own issues.
Meanwhile, Luke falls for Stephanie (Thirlby), the daughter of Dr. Squires. Stephanie is quirky and beautiful, and Luke becomes infatuated with her. She is also struggling with her own issues, including the fact that her boyfriend is cheating on her.
As the summer progresses, Luke learns some hard lessons about growing up and the consequences of his actions. He also becomes increasingly entangled in the lives of Dr. Squires and Stephanie, leading to a dramatic climax that forces all of them to confront their demons.
The Wackness received mixed reviews from critics but has become a cult favorite among indie movie fans. It is known for its nostalgic depiction of 90s New York City and its eclectic soundtrack, which features songs by artists like Wu-Tang Clan, A Tribe Called Quest, and Notorious B.I.G.