Karlovy Vary 2024: Girls Will Be Girls (by Shuchi Talati) | Review
Girls Will Be Girls, directed by emerging and charismatic director Shuchi Talati, is arguably one of the year’s best films. It depicts the epitomized journey of a teenage girl in the early stages of experiencing sexual desires and coming of age, interrupted obstructively by a mother who appears to view the beauty from the opposite perspective. Nonetheless, an absolute truth awaits.
The Sundance Audience Award winner is probably more than just a crowd favorite; it’s a globally acclaimed piece that captivates every cinephile. It instills in us a nostalgic sensation, a sentiment that typically lingers long after viewing. Indian director Shuchi Talati’s feature is not just about heartwarming moments; it speaks volumes of extravagance and brilliance. Now, that’s a triple bonanza package served right on the grill for us.
Speaking of triples, Girls Will Be Girls explores the unique personalities of three characters: Mira, Anila, and Srinivas. Before you go any further, no, this is not a love triangle. It’s a delicate, fervent presentation of emotions, catered to a mother, a daughter, and a boy who arrives with a fate-turning purpose.
Mira, the Daughter of Excitement – A head prefect and a bright student in a strict, mixed boarding school with excellent leadership qualities. She’s quite conscientious in the way she treats others and herself, which gives her a standout glow. With a sweet smile and an approachable outlook, Mira seems to be a valedictorian already. She secretly eyes Srinivas, developing infatuations for him. Mira represents every teenage girl’s self-exploration, the beginning of experiencing the construction of love. It’s a courageous beginning toward maturation, an expedition into sexual awakenings, and the development of adult identities. Director Shuchi Talati strongly emphasizes the significance of this meticulous point from a female perspective, marking the beginning of a new chapter in life. Change comes with barriers, and Talati takes it to the next level by bringing in Anila, Mira’s overprotective mother.
Anila, the Mother who Observes – Anila believes she is effectively performing her duties as a mother. She might be a little overboard, but she wants to make sure Mira is in excellent hands. However, the degree to which she manages Mira’s lifestyle and liberty raises questions. Anila becomes a constant observer for Mira, turning into an uninvited guard and doubling the complications in their mother-daughter relationship. Kani Kusruti’s engaging gaze conveys many messages, leaving viewers perplexed by her intentions. Perhaps that’s the mystery Talati wanted to cover, and Kusruti handles it ambiguously well.
Srinivas, The Boy Who Roams – Srinivas, a sweet talker with a pleasant personality, catches Mira’s eye at his newly joined boarding school. He visits Mira at home regularly, growing closer to her under Anila’s surveillance.
Days pass, and things get a little tight for everyone. Talati delves into the turbulence of generation gaps, the intensity of strict upbringings, the naivety and gullibility of teenage love, and most importantly, the complicated process of undergoing sexual liberation independently. Preeti Panigrahi moves mountains through her performance, transporting us deeply into the thoughts of a teenage girl transitioning into a young adult, exploring her desperation, indulgence, possessiveness, and dedication to intimacy and love. However, these emotions bring with them a massive pile of “teaching modules” that continue to accumulate without interruption.
Girls Will Be Girls bonds an ensemble of exceptional talent in a critically acclaimed film that delves into the fundamentals of needing intimacy, along with the joys and sorrows of the journey. It becomes a treasured memory and serves as an unlimited fuel supply for us to reflect on our own memories in different yet meaningful ways.
Nonetheless, who knew that a day of complete transformation, perhaps an uprising evolution, would arrive for Mira? And who knew that the solution to her intricate life issues could be found in just a few hours? A surge of insight unfolds, opening a door to the real world.
Mira comprehends it fully. Anila fathomed it before. You will be amazed by it fully.
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