Girls Will Be Girls, directed by Shuchi Talati, is a coming-of-age story about Mira, a 16-year-old head prefect at a Himalayan boarding school. Her life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Sri, a charming new student.
Imagine watching an uncomfortable truth on the big screen. Well this is it. Girls will be Girls directed by Shuchi Talati is a coming of age movie, a genre that is rarely seen in the Indian cinematic universe. The film centers around Mira, a sixteen-year-old girl who is the first female head prefect at her strict boarding school nestled in the Himalayas. As she grapples with her responsibilities, the arrival of Sri, a charming new student, complicates her world in ways she never anticipated.
Unlike many films that either sanitize or sensationalize teenage experiences, Girls Will Be Girls presents a raw and unvarnished look at the complexities of growing up. The film addresses themes such as puberty, desire, and rebellion without resorting to dramatization or explicit content, allowing for a more genuine depiction of the adolescent experience. Preeti Panigrahi delivers a remarkable performance as Mira, capturing the nuances of teenage confusion and rebellion. Critics have noted her ability to infuse the character with a blend of innocence and assertiveness, making her journey of self-discovery both relatable and compelling. Her portrayal resonates deeply with audiences, showcasing the emotional complexities of growing up in a society filled with expectations and pressures. Mira's journey also highlights her sexual awakening amidst these societal pressures. As she begins to explore her feelings for Sri, we witness the intense emotions that accompany first love—excitement, confusion, and even jealousy. The film captures these moments beautifully, showcasing Mira's internal struggles as she navigates her desires while contending with her mother's expectations.
Jih-E Peng's cinematography enhances the storytelling by using visual techniques such as negative space and deep focus to convey emotional states and character dynamics. This artistic approach elevates the film's impact, making the audience feel the characters' inner turmoil and growth throughout their journey. The script avoids preachiness, opting for minimal dialogue that allows for character development through actions and reactions rather than exposition. This subtlety invites viewers to engage more deeply with the characters' experiences and transformations. The film emphasizes themes of empathy and understanding, particularly as Mira learns to view her mother in a new light by the end of the story. This evolution reflects a broader message about personal growth and the complexities of relationships, setting it apart from more simplistic narratives found in typical coming-of-age films.
The relationship between Mira and her mother, Anila, is another focal point of the film. Anila's character embodies the contradictions faced by women in a male-dominated society. She wants to protect Mira but also grapples with her own repressed desires and experiences from her youth. The tension between them escalates when Anila tries to control Mira's budding relationship with Sri, leading to poignant moments that reveal their vulnerabilities. Well this is what can be seen on the surface but after diving deeper I sensed that their relationship could be linked to the Oedipus complex. Now this might seem like a gross interpretation of a perfectly good movie, but just hear me out. Traditionally, the Oedipus complex involves a son’s desire for his mother and rivalry with his father. How is that related to the film? I say this based on Sri and Anila’s interaction throughout the movie. The way Anila put herself between Mira and Sri might seem like her attempts to prevent something happening between them, but to me it also looked like Anila was living her missed youthfulness vicariously through Sri, who should be like a son to her. It seemed she just wanted to enjoy the attention of a young boy. As Sri said ‘attention is her key’, Anila’s behaviour was stemmed out of her need for attention. This led to a dynamic between Anila and Mira where feelings of jealousy or competition can arise. Although by the end of the film we do see how Mira’s understanding of her mother’s needs leads to healing their relationship.
One of the standout moments for me was when Mira's teacher, Ms. Bansal, admonished the girls about their uniforms and how they should be careful around boys. Priya's line, "How idiotic," perfectly encapsulated my thoughts on that scene. It struck me how the focus was placed on girls' behavior rather than addressing the boys who were taking inappropriate pictures. When Ms. Bansal remarked, "Suspension is serious, Mira," I couldn't help but question why taking inappropriate pictures wasn't treated with equal gravity. This moment encapsulates how society often trivializes women's experiences while imposing strict consequences on their behavior.This reflects a pervasive issue within Indian educational institutions, where the onus is often placed on girls to modify their actions instead of holding boys accountable for their misconduct. The film does an excellent job of portraying this reality, shedding light on how such attitudes can lead to more significant problems like eve teasing and sexual assault. The movie does an excellent job at portraying the reality of most institutions in India and how dier the situation is. I remember going through a similar phase when I was in school. This movie reminded me of my school days and how we were asked to maintain our skirt lengths and how our uniforms were checked by our teachers to see whether we are wearing bras and shorts underneath our uniforms. It reminds me of the uncomfortable days that I’ve lived as a teen and how India as a country is no where near progressing when it comes to these stereotypes where it is the woman who should be worried about her safety and ‘dignity’.
Overall, Girls Will Be Girls is a powerful exploration of adolescence, love, and the societal structures that shape our experiences as women. It challenges viewers to reflect on the ingrained attitudes towards gender and offers a poignant commentary on the journey toward self-acceptance and empowerment. This film is not just about growing up; it's about understanding the complexities of being a woman in today's world.
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