The directorial debut film, Girls Will Be Girls, has been receiving rave reviews for its “true-to-life” narrative, earning a five-star rating from viewers.
This 2024 coming-of-age film has quickly amassed a cult following online since its release, boasting a perfect score on the review site Rotten Tomatoes.
The film is both written and directed by newcomer Shuchi Talati, featuring new talents Preeti Panigrahi and Kani Kusruti in their first on-screen roles, and audiences are utterly captivated by it.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayan foothills in a boarding school, the film follows the journey of an Indian teenager named Mira as she navigates her first love and sexual awakening.
Alongside these thrilling experiences, she’s wrestling with the strict Indian culture she’s been raised in and her turbulent relationship with her overbearing mother.
While this coming-of-age narrative has been explored in various ways before, it’s the cultural context of Mira’s upbringing and the setting that make this film a standout amongst cinema enthusiasts, reports the Mirror US.
One critic said: “The tender thrill of first romance is present, but it’s painfully complicated by a forbidden familial intrusion, turning sweetness into something far more fraught and haunting.”
An awestruck spectator added: “Girls Will Be Girls offers a deeply introspective look at the intricate dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship, wrapped in a narrative filled with hidden truths and emotional revelations. The film’s storytelling is both subtle and powerful, allowing the audience to connect with the characters on a profound level.”
They went on to commend the effervescent performances by the young cast, who, despite their inexperience, delivered what was described as “stellar”, “raw” and “nuanced” depictions of burgeoning womanhood and sexual awakening.
The filmmaker’s sensitive handling of controversial topics has drawn accolades since its premiere last year, with many lauding the choice of a predominantly female crew, which created a secure environment that truly allowed “girls to be girls,” as per the director’s vision.
Another shared their adulation stating: “I loved Talati’s richly detailed and sensitively directed film. She beautifully captures the power of a look or a touch of a finger. It is a tender and nuanced film. It’s an observant film. The film ends with a poignant and affecting last moment that got to me.”
Following the film, a viewer confessed to being “permanently in suspense” as they watched the teenagers’ lives play out, bracing for any unexpected drama.
Amidst these conflicts, the core of the story is the simple and emotional “real life, and it’s this that struck a chord with so many viewers.”, which resonated with numerous viewers.
For a poignant reminder of the complexities, tenderness, and trials of young love and adolescence, Girls Will Be Girls is now available to stream on Amazon Prime.