Girlhood, a French film of which its title is not a reference to the acclaimed Boyhood, isn’t a particularly flashy or sensational coming-of-age movie, but it’s certainly an original and mesmerizing one just because of how refreshingly honest it feels. The titular gang aren’t the type of kids that can be placed in just one category- they’re all allowed to be sweet, funny, intimidating, foolish and caring, and the film is something of a societal critique on their lack of opportunities. Director/writer Céline Sciamma chose to cast unknowns for her characters, and they don’t disappoint.
I think “mis-en-scene” is in full force here, because Gay Paree itself is a crucial part of the movie thanks to some great cinematography from Crystel Fournier. But that’s not to say you won’t mainly be thinking about Marieme (Karidja Touré) and her story afterwards. She’s a relatively ordinary Parisian kid who likes American football, video games and boys, the mild-mannered boy next door Ismael (Idrissa Diabaté) in particular. Her home life isn’t much of an escape from the rest of the world, thanks in no part to an abusive older brother trying to steer her away from the local guys. His friendship with Ismael is emphasized to where one could imagine he fears Marieme might steal him away, but that’s never fully explored. (Or maybe it’s just my headcanon, heh.)
The last straw for Marieme is when a counselor denies her advancement to the lycee due to poor grades. Despondent, she finds comfort by hitting it off with a trio of tough chicks- Lady (Assa Sylla), who sort of reminds me of the Artful Dodger, Adiatou (Lindsay Karamoh), the comic relief, and the kind hearted Filly (Mariétou Touré) who has some funny exchanges with Adiatou in a couple of scenes.
Eventually going by the nickname Vic after a gift necklace from Lady, Mariame has her self confidence reinvigorated after joining the gang yet is also swayed by the negatives of their influence, passing up a summer job to hang and rumble with her new friends. Sciamma doesn’t apologize or make excuses for the gang’s smoking, fighting and general bad behavior because the film is entirely through Vic’s perspective.
Because of this, the audience comes to understand how she feels and why she makes certain choices. For me, I saw a mix of fear, loneliness and a desire for independence. Vic is often bullied by the guys around her apartment complex and is better able to deal with them with her three friends, who provide her with the comfort and release she needs.
And now I can’t continue until we talk about the soundtrack, because it contributes so much to Girlhood’s atmosphere. Two of my favorite moments are the opening night game sequence set to “Dark Allies” by Light Asylum, which helps put Mariame’s energy and spunk in context, and the four girls lip syncing to Rihanna’s “Diamonds”- the lyrics make for a great anthem for the quartet as well as the theme of the film, and the scene is shot in a powerfully blue light that gives it an intimate feeling and champions their friendship.
Sciamma shoots her teen drama in such a way where you’re able to feel every emotion Vic feels. A few things are left unresolved, but the story is framed in such a way and the acting is sharp yet natural enough to where it almost feels documentary like. To me that’s appropriate for a low key and realistic journey like this, so I’ll easily recommend it.