Hailee Steinfeld takes CinemaCon to the 'Edge' with new role

LAS VEGAS — Hailee Steinfeld might not have looked like a struggling high-school student in the Rodarte ensemble she wore at CinemaCon.

But just wait until The Edge of Seventeen comes out Sept. 30. The emotional upheaval so many go through will be heartbreakingly apparent.

STX Entertainment gave a sneak peek at the coming-of-age movie during its showcase Tuesday at the annual convention for theater owners and executives.

The extended look, and Steinfeld's performance, drew enthusiastic applause from those assembled.

STX movie chief Adam Fogelson said he has been looking for a coming-of-age drama that could assume the mantle of the great, late John Hughes.

"We were convinced we had found a worthy candidate," said Fogelson of The Edge of Seventeen. From the looks of it, he might very well be right (though the movie will likely be rated R for its stronger language).

The movie is written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig and produced by the legendary James L. Brooks (Terms of Endearment, Broadcast News, we could go on).

But all eyes were on Steinfeld, who plays Nadine, an outcast, pimple-prone teen with a seemingly perfect older brother (Blake Jenner) who starts to date her best friend (Haley Lu Richardson). Completely awkward, especially when Nadine walks in on the two during a bedroom tryst.

But the clip dealt with so much more, including Nadine's relationships with her messed-up mom (Kyra Sedgwick) and a counselor who cannot quite be tough love (Woody Harrelson).

Steinfeld said she felt the part in her heart.

"I remember reading the script and thinking I have never read something so honest and so truthful," Steinfeld said. "I identified with so many moments in this story."

As for the John Hughes comparison, Steinfeld, 19, wasn't even born when his films were popular.

"I don’t know what those (movies) are," said Steinfeld, causing a gasp before she quickly added, "I am totally joking."