What year does Mixtape take place? A Polygon investigation

It’s no surprise that Mixtapeis a huge hit with a very specific audience. Beethoven & Dinosaur’s critically acclaimed coming-of-age adventure is a nostalgic treat for anyone who grew up in a small American town, listening to Joy Division and pining for an escape from their suburban prison. I enjoyed it well enough as a light crowd-pleaser, but one mystery has been bugging me ever since I rolled credits: When the hell does this thing actually take place?