Girlhood

(Céline Sciamma/2014/France) 

Focusing on a group of young second generation immigrant girls in Paris Sciamma shows how easy it is for these young women to be swayed into lives of misdemeanours and gang crime. Presenting their vulnerability through the story of 16 year old Vic who turns from her difficult domestic situation to the acceptance and rebellious fun of a girl gang she befriends at school the film is unique in its point of view I think. It’s a story of missed opportunity and, unfortunately, typical youthful kicking against an environment that doesn’t care about them. The film stays realistic throughout and reflects an objective view of Vic’s transition from diligent school girl to drug dealing gang member. The changes in her personality and how she presents herself to the world are indicative of how affecting the pressures around her are and how trapped she becomes in a persona she envisaged would be an escape. I thought this was a great film that tells its story with direct and concentrated focus on realism and truth. 

(3.5/5)