Girls Will Be Girls Review: Shuchi Talati’s coming-of-age drama, despite a few flaws, is a soft, tender and delightful watch

Girls Will Be Girls Review: Shuchi Talati's coming-of-age drama, despite a few flaws, is a soft, tender and delightful watch

Plot

As a middle-aged woman who has navigated through her own adolescence and experienced the complexities of teenage emotions, I found “Girls Will Be Girls” to be a refreshingly raw and authentic portrayal of young love and self-discovery. The film’s slow pacing allows for an intimate connection with Mira’s world, making me feel like I was reliving my own adolescent years.

17-year-old Mira (Preeti Panigrahi), not only excels academically as a top student but also serves as the school prefect. She resides with her protective mother Anila (Kani Kasruti) and a father who is seldom present. In the astrology class, Mira finds herself drawn to a new student named Srinivas (Kesav Binoy Kiron). For the first time, she experiences romantic feelings and growing sexual desires towards him. When Mira’s mother discovers her talking on the phone with Sri, she invites him over and makes it clear that their relationship should only be platonic. Despite this, Mira and Srinivas continue to nurture their secret romantic affections for each other. As time passes, Srinivas becomes increasingly frequent at Mira’s house, building a warm bond with her mother. However, Mira begins to suspect that Sri is showing more affection towards her mother than towards her. The remainder of the story revolves around Mira navigating through the changes she experiences as an adolescent.

What Works for Girls Will Be Girls

The power of Girls Will Be Girls comes from its understated approach and authentic, unpolished depiction of adolescence. This deliberate pace creates a comforting, homely atmosphere, drawing viewers deeply into Mira’s world. The intricate storyline and richness in character development are particularly noteworthy.

As a lifestyle expert, I can’t help but express my admiration for the masterfully crafted scenes in “Girls Will Be Girls.” A standout moment is when Preeti Panigrahi convincingly portrays Mira passionately kissing her own hand under the shower, longing for the touch of Sri (before their romantic journey begins).

What Doesn’t Work for Girls Will Be Girls

In my personal opinion, while I appreciate the cinematic approach of this movie, there were moments that felt more pretentious than purposeful, potentially causing some viewers to feel distanced due to a slower narrative pace they might prefer more dynamic. The dynamics between Mira and her mother towards the film’s end seemed questionable, especially given Anila’s strict control over Mira’s life. A subplot involving a teacher justifying boys’ misbehavior at school and seemingly blaming girls for their clothing choices felt forced to me. The climax, where Mira confronts the boys, was particularly jarring and seemed melodramatic in its execution, disrupting the movie’s otherwise delicate balance. However, disregarding these points, Girls Will Be Girls is a moving film about a girl’s journey through life as she navigates her sexual awakening.

Watch the Girls Will Be Girls Trailer

Performances in Girls Will Be Girls

Preeti Panigrahi gives an exceptional portrayal of Mira, skillfully conveying the intricacies of adolescent bewilderment and yearning in a genuine manner. Kani Kasruti plays Anila, a mother longing for affection while guarding her child, with great depth. Kesav Binoy Kiron’s performance as Sri is equally captivating, offering a charming and credible contrast to Mira. The chemistry among the main characters is noticeable, greatly boosting the movie. The secondary actors also deliver solid performances, making every character seem real.

Final Verdict of Girls Will Be Girls

As a lifestyle expert, I find myself drawn to the captivating narrative of “Girls Will Be Girls.” Despite its imperfections, it delves profoundly into the complexities of adolescence and self-discovery. The film showcases some truly stunning visuals, manages conflicts skillfully, and features performances that are nothing short of exceptional.

You can watch Girls Will Be Girls, now streaming on Prime Video.

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2024-12-17 21:37