Review: Girl Picture

When a film wins an audience award at any major film festival, that usually indicates that it is going to be worth a watch.

I also noticed that this would be the first film I will be seeing from Finland. In my previous film watching experience, Scandanavia usually produce some very memorable dramas. This is another one to add to that list.

There were clear early signs of similarities of Booksmart and Superbad. But with a continental flavour that give the coming-of-age sub-genre a refreshing look.

So while the concept and structure of the adolescence of young adulthood is nothing different, what made it get my attention and investment was the characters. The struggles of fitting into the big city lifestyle, the wanting of being accepted, the fear of going into the unknown and learning to deal with unexpected changes to your career choices. All of that is here and it is done with solid authenticity, great innocence and with a wild attitude that many of us can relate and that awkward age.

You will initially feel that you will have seen this sort of thing before. But the destination of our main characters never felt set in stone. Despite their complex personalities and flaws, they are very likable and easy to root for. You believe in their desires and want them to succeed in their ambitions.

This film is in debt to the performances of a very talented cast. The main ones in the story that deserve particular praise are Aamu Milonoff, Eleonoora Kauhanen and Linnea Leino. Their believable chemistry, their performances both from an emotional and physical aspect and that natural innocence that works so well in for a story like this one. I really hope this isn't the only time we see them on the big screen.

There is a purposeful aspect ratio chosen and I think it is meant to resemble our main characters emotions and current situation. I honestly noticed this in this first scene. But after that, I totally forgot about it and the strength in its character development had me invested.

Even with its unoriginality, its strength in its casting choices, writing, directing and pacing made it another memorable addition to coming-of-age films. It has energy, attitude, heart, passion, love and satisfaction. A very enjoyable watch with multiple breakthrough's that I hope get fulfilled.

Rating: 8/10