Getting In (1994)

Gabriel Higgs, a driven young man with a prestigious medical career in his sights, faces a seemingly insurmountable obstacle: rejection from Johns Hopkins. Finding himself sixth on a waiting list, Gabriel's path to his family's legacy is contingent on convincing five other candidates to relinquish their spots. As he navigates this complex and often ethically murky challenge, Gabriel discovers that the rigorous pursuit of his dreams is far more complicated and unpredictable than he ever imagined, with his carefully laid plans frequently unraveling in unexpected ways. "Getting In" firmly anchors itself as a noteworthy Doug Liman film due to its quintessential Liman-esque blend of relatable ambition, unconventional problem-solving, and a raw, energetic exploration of youthful drive. Liman, known for his ability to capture the earnestness and often messy reality of coming-of-age stories and high-stakes endeavors, imbues "Getting In" with a palpable sense of urgency and personal stakes. The film showcases Gabriel's resourceful, albeit questionable, tactics as he attempts to manipulate his way into his desired future, a narrative thread that resonates with Liman's recurring fascination with protagonists who operate outside established norms to achieve their goals, as seen in films like "Swingers" and "Go." It's a testament to Liman's talent for finding the compelling human drama within seemingly niche or overlooked scenarios.